The Guardian King

Chapter Thirty-two

~ Phoenix

*

I signed the last document and placed it on the stack with the others I’d spent the entirety of my evening going over. I’d been neglecting many of my royal responsibilities since training Ember and investigating her father’s life and death. I sighed thinking about my failures of late. I had a team of skilled seekers at my disposal yet I hesitated to call on them. This was in large part to blame for the lack of progress, because I could not trust the task to just anyone. It needed to be carried out with the utmost secrecy.

*

My eyes wandered around the room as I considered what to do next. Up on the highest shelf in a place of honor rested the dove Grandpère had given me a decade ago. With a flick of my fingers the paper bird flew from it’s perch and into my waiting palm. As I admired my grandfather’s meaningful creation, I reimagined, for the 100th time that day, the kiss I’d shared with my angel. Her lips had been soft yet responsive as they perfectly formed to mine. How could she so easily push me away after that experience? It seemed the more certain of my feelings I became, the more she retreated from our connection. How could I tell her the truth if she already had one foot out the door? I had to discover the root of her avoidance.

*

After returning the dove to it’s place, I glanced at the clock. The hour was late, or early, depending on the point of view. With no obvious solutions to any of the numerous problems before me, I decided to turn in for the night. As I moved through the castle in the direction of my suite, a television’s noise caught my attention. I detoured toward the recreation room, feeling the pull of my companion.

*

Expecting to find Ember watching a movie alone, the reality came as a punch to the gut. Wrapped rather snuggly together on the sofa, I found my companion and my advisor sound asleep. My fists clenched for but a moment, before I inhaled a big calming breath. Once I’d regained control over my emotions, I went to the TV. When I pressed the power button they both began to stir from the absence of sound.

*

I avoided looking directly at either of them as they became aware of my presence and that I’d been the one who shut off the television. “I didn’t mean to disturb you,” I spoke softly. “Just seemed pointless to leave the TV on with no one watching.”

“It’s a really long movie,” Ember replied innocently, letting out a big yawn.

“I think you’d be more comfortable in your bed, little dove.”

“So much for finishing the movie tonight,” she said with a stretch. “Good night you two.” I merely nodded in her direction as she left the room.

*

I could feel my best friend’s eyes on me as he began, “Nic, I-” With a wave of my hand I silenced him and gritted out, “Not here.” With Phyneas right behind me I left the room. In my suite, I gestured for him to have a seat. I did my utmost to suppress anger, which stemmed more from the overall situation than my best friend’s part in it.

*

I sat on the edge of the sofa and rested my chin on my knuckles as I wondered where to begin, but Phyneas began for me by saying, “Nic, I swear nothing happened.” I scratched my beard and calmly replied, “I know.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“Then why are you angry?”

“Because despite my best efforts, my companion doesn’t let her guard down around me the way she does with you. Every time I think I’ve made the slightest progress with her she retreats further into her fortress. It’s physically painful to see her that way… relaxed and open… with another man.”

“But don’t you see the difference?” my best friend asked me. “She’s not risking anything with me. We don’t share those sort of feelings for one another. Ember will eventually see she’s just as safe with you, she just needs more time.”

“I don’t have more time,” I replied leaning back against the sofa.

“Do you want me to keep my distance from her?” I considered his offer, but it seemed counterproductive. “No,” I answered. Ember’s destiny carried a lot of weight. She would need people she could trust surrounding her when she assumed her rightful place in our world. It would be selfish of me to interfere with their friendship. In my gut I knew Phyneas held no threat to my relationship with Ember. If anything, sharing the same close friends would show her she could trust me.

*

“At least with you I know she’s safe,” I added as I crossed an ankle casually over the opposite knee. Phyneas matched my deportment as he relaxed in his seat, saying, “Perks of having a hollow chest where my heart should be.”

“You know the remedy for that,” I pointed out.

“It’s an impossible situation, Nic. There’s nothing that can be done.”

“Respectfully, I disagree.”

“You’re not right about everything, Majesty.”

“I never claimed to be.”

*

“Back to you and Ember,” Phyneas said, effectively avoiding an uncomfortable conversation for us both. “Perhaps spending the holiday with her will help lower her guard. Maybe it’s time the king’s companion reclaimed the tradition of organizing the Adlegatio Banquet.”

“At this point I think it’s my best hope.”

“What is your mother going to say when you relieve her of the task?” Phyneas asked in devilish delight.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Can I be there when you tell her that?”

“Be my guest.”

***

The next morning I returned to the natatorium for the first time since the attack on my companion. Ember had been right in that I couldn’t let whoever tried to hurt her also rid me of the joy the room brought me. I took her advice, as I dove into the water allowing it to ease my stress… at least temporarily.

*

All my worries came flooding back, however, when I returned to my office and found Knox waiting for me. “What do you know?” I asked him as I assumed my position behind the desk. Standing there made me feel in control even when I had no reason to. In his ever-perfect posture, with hands clasped in front, Knox got right to the point; one of many things I appreciated from him.

*

“You were right,” he said. “All signs point to the source of depraved activity residing somewhere in Edinburg. But every time I get close, it relocates.”

“I know the feeling.”

“What would you like me to do, Your Majesty?”

“For now, nothing. Leave Edinburg to Draden. He can be trusted to report the slightest change.”

“And until then? You must have a better use of me.”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I need a keen eye fixed on Soren.”

“The former king?” he asked in surprise.

“Yes.”

“Anything in particular I’m looking for?”

“Mysterious meetings in odd places with unlikely people. Unsettling patterns. That sort of thing.”

“I’m on it.”

“You aren’t going to ask why I am interested in the activity of our former ruler?”

“The why is irrelevant. I trust you.” Another appreciation I held for my head shield.

*

Knox reached into his back pocket, retrieved his phone, and said, “As for the other task you gave me.”

“Yes?” I asked in interest. He passed me his phone and said, “My contact was able to provide those images of Lady Lamond.” I scrolled through the photos of Sadie dining at her favorite restaurant with her mother. “The time stamp confirms she couldn’t have been personally responsible for the attack on Lady Ember.”

“So it does,” I admitted returning his phone.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I understand your desire to punish the guilty party. But at least you can rest assured all those you’ve entrusted with Lady Ember’s training were in no way a party to harming her.”

“You’re right. Although I’m frustrated by lack of suspects, I am relieved by Sadie’s exoneration.” I sighed and added, “I suppose I should apologize for my accusations against her.”

“It would be the kingly thing to do. Shall I retrieve Lady Lamond?”

“She may take it the wrong way if I send my head shield after her. I’ll have Daphne handle the task.”

“Probably for the best. Call if you have need of me. In the meantime, I’ll start digging into Soren.” When he reached the door I stopped him. “Knox.” He turned back as I instructed, “Proceed with caution.” With a bow he replied, “Always.”

***

I spent the first half of my day with my nose pressed in book after book researching anything and everything that could possibly aid me with any of my mounting problems. After lunch a soft knock sounded at my door which didn’t sound anything like my secretary’s. “Enter,” I called. My ex-companion guardedly stepped into my domain.

*

“Since when do you knock?” I asked Sadie as I closed the book in front of me.

“Since the last time you summoned me I was wrongly accused of attempted murder and I have no desire to resume that conversation.” Sadie always made an effort never to reveal too much to anyone. She prided herself in always being completely poise and composed. But as I watched her straighten the collar on her grey silk blouse and adjust her impeccably fitted pencil skirt, I realized she was nervous. Regret prompted me to get straight to the point.

*

I moved around to the front of the desk, resting my rear on the edge casually as I sincerely stated, “I’m sorry, Sadie.”

“Excuse me?” she responded in surprise.

“I am sorry I accused you of trying to hurt Ember.” She walked further into the room as she said, “Am I hallucinating?”

“Is it that difficult to believe I’d admit fault?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“It was only yesterday you were completely irate, not to mention adamant I was the one to blame. What changed?”

“Ember talked me down from insanity,” I casually explained.

“Yes, she mentioned she didn’t share your belief that I would seek to end her life. I’m guessing that’s why you allowed me to resume lessons with her?”

“I wouldn’t very well have you anywhere near her if I believed there was even a chance you remained a threat.”

“Why do you care for her so much that you’d easily doubt someone you’ve known significantly longer?” Her tone carried more curiosity than accusation.

“As my companion she’s under my protection. I have a greater responsibility to her than anyone else.”

*

Sadie tucked her blonde hair behind her ear and matched my stance, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s more than that,” she stated. “You don’t just care about her safety, you’ve taken an interest in every aspect of her life. You even listen to her opinions. The Phoenix I know doesn’t so easily admit fault or alter his view. Yet you readily trusted HER belief in my innocence.”

“The role of the companion is to give counsel to the king.”

“Do not forget, Phoenix, I am one of the few to know the responsibility of that role firsthand. But I never came close to having that level of influence over you and we were together for two years. She’s been here barely a month and she’s got you chasing her heels.”

“Watch how you speak of her. I’ll not tolerate any disrespect towards my companion.”

*

Sadie would not be easily deterred. She boldly stepped closer as she asked again, “What makes her so special?”

“Stop this, Sadie,” I warned. But she refused to back down, pointing out, “You’ve had your eye on her from the day she passed through The King’s Gate.”

“Merde! Cease prodding into matters that do not concern you,” I snapped.

“No,” she replied defiantly.

“Don’t make me banish you from the castle.” Unfazed by my warning she calmly offered, “How about a trade? I’ll tell you a secret and in return you answer a single question.”

“I’m not agreeing to anything.”

“That’s fine. But I think it’s time you understand what happened between us two years ago.”

“Understand? What is there to understand about your betrayal?”

“The motive.”

“What makes you think I care after all this time?”

“Pride.”

*

I couldn’t deny the offer of closure tempted me. Though her motives no longer bore any importance, the question still gnawed at me. She’d never been the disloyal type. “Alright, Sadie. Explain why you cheated.” Her stance softened. Her arms dropped to her side and I witnessed a vulnerability in her face as she uttered, “I didn’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“I didn’t cheat. You caught me in a situation that was nowhere near what it looked like.” Her claim had me reeling. In the days that followed her betrayal, she never once denied it. I pinched the bridge of my nose from perturbation and replied, “Say for a moment I actually believed you…” I looked into her green eyes and asked point blank, “If it wasn’t what it looked like, what the hell was it then?”

“A seduction.”

*

In my speechless state Sadie continued, “I knew in my heart you didn’t love me. That you couldn’t love me. And I needed to know why. I needed to know why I never felt like enough for you. That night, in a drunken stupor… he made a comment which led me to believe he knew the answer. I used my siren ability to lure him into that limousine and entice him to tell me what he knew. He doesn’t even remember that part. You discovered us just after I got my answer, which is why I didn’t care to clarify the situation. I merely let you walk away from me.”

*

Shaking my head in sheer disbelief, I said, “I don’t know what he told you, but he didn’t know anything.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Phoenix,” she argued.

“I highly doubt he told you the truth.”

“If you want to know for sure, all you have to do is answer one question.”

“What’s that?”

“Is Ember your destined companion?” When I completely froze from shock, Sadie answered for me. “I can see the truth written all over your face. Congratulations, Phoenix.”

*

Fear is a powerful emotion, one that often overrides all sensibility. But Sadie’s knowledge of the truth combined with her connection to Soren, shook me to my core. I grabbed her by the shoulders, lifting her clear off the floor as I fiercely growled, “If you breath a word of this to anyone, I will personally see to your ruination.” By the shock reflected in her eyes I knew I’d succeeded in getting my point across. I released her and turned my back as I tried to process how to handle this new revelation.

*

Sadie didn’t flee in terror of my threat. Instead, she bravely and gently put her hand on my shoulder. “Phoenix, I loved you,” she said. “After I learned the truth I realized a destined companion was something I could not and should not interfere with. I even prayed you’d find her one day, though I am a little surprised she turned out to be an unknown-”

“Don’t. Call. Her. That.” I bit out.

“You’re right… I’m sorry. She is a tremendous blessing. A sign of God’s favor returning to the guardians. I’m only disappointed you didn’t trust me enough to tell me from the beginning.”

*

After a long pause I turned back to face her and softly said, “It’s a delicate situation.” I could see the wheels turning in her head as she worked out what I meant. “What a minute,” she said suddenly. “Phoenix… please tell me Ember knows the truth.” I merely looked at her without answering. “Phoenix! You have to tell her.”

“Do not demand things of me which are not of your understanding or concern.”

“Can’t you see the danger she’s in while she remains oblivious to her connection with you?”

“After what happened yesterday do you really need to ask me that? But she has to have the chance to acknowledge her feelings on her own. It’s paramount.”

*

Sadie placed her hand on my forearm and said, “You can trust me, Phoenix. I won’t say a word to anyone. I haven’t said a word to anyone.”

“I guess I don’t have any other choice but to trust you.”

“I have a deep reverence for fated companions as well as their role in guardian culture. It’s not me you should be worried about. If I were you, I’d be worried about him.”

“I’ll handle him.”

***

Phyneas knocked twice on my suite doors before he let himself in. A splitting headache led me to seek the dark solitude of my inner sanctum. “Nic, what is it?” he asked. “You sounded cryptic on the phone.” He moved toward where I lounged in my favorite armchair and looked me over. “What’s wrong?” I rubbed my temples as I replied weakly, “Stress headache.”

“Here.” He placed his hands on my shoulder and as the minutes passed so did the tension in my skull. “Thanks, Phyn.”

*

“I’ve never seen you like this,” Phyneas said, sitting on the sofa.

“My entire life I’ve taken great care to keep my biggest secret. I’ve been extremely cautious with whom I share my vision.”

“I know that,” he replied in confusion. “It was years before you finally confided in Gemma. But why are you saying this?”

“Because it’s recently come to my attention there’s a weak point unaccounted for.”

“What does that mean?”

*

I shifted to the edge of the seat and quietly said, “Sadie finally explained her side of events from two years ago. I think you’ll find it particularly interesting.”

“Doubtful. She’s a lying conniving crocodile, Nic. She’s so good at detecting liars she’s become the most proficient one. You can’t trust her.”

“I do. Because her claim makes sense. She was seducing him for information, Phyn.”

“What information? He doesn’t know anything. He’s an idiot.”

“An i***t who is somehow aware of my destined companion.” His face paled as he replied,“That’s impossible.”

“Apparently not.” I stood from the chair and looked down at Phyneas as I said, “It’s time we had a chat with your little brother.”

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

Author’s Note:

Thanks so much for your patience as this story slowly unfolds. I personally do not read stories which are unfinished so I really appreciate those of you who are reading along as I write. Your feedback is invaluable.

Chapter 33 will be published Sunday, April 16th.

~E.K.