The Guardian King

Chapter Twenty

~ Ember

We made our way to the athletics facility on the basement level of the castle. Phyneas seemed to return to his normal chatty self. “You’re lucky I am your healing instructor and not the ice queen,” he told me.

“Sadie has a healing ability?” I responded in astonishment. “Why does that surprise me?”

“Probably for the same reason I gave her the nickname Tick-tock. Because her bedside manner is abysmal. Aside from that, she sucks at healing. She can barely cure a paper cut. Though I think its in large part due to it being an ability she never valued, and therefore, never nurtured.”

“You can control which of your abilities is more dominant?”

“To an extent. Practice and training certainly do factor into which ability you excel in.”

“What if I want to be great at all of my abilities? Is that possible?”

“It would if you were a class two guardian. But you are class five. You would exhaust yourself to death attempting to master five abilities.”

*

“Wow,” I said when we entered the gym, “this place is insane.” Nearly the same size as the ballroom, the athletics facility contained multiple areas for different purposes. State of the art weight lifting equipment took up one corner, while another consisted of cardio machines. The far wall displayed a variety of weaponry and the large center section had been reserved for sparring.

*

“We take combat training very seriously,” Phyneas explained, “Even after graduating, active guardians never stop training.” We crossed the polished wood floor to the center where Knox awaited us. “Welcome, Lady Ember,” he said.

“Thanks for taking time away from your duties to work with me,” I replied.

“It’s my pleasure to be of service to the king’s companion. And I’m happy to work with any guardian looking to improve themselves.” He turned to Phyneas and added, “Are you still over-extending your kicks?”

“I corrected that awhile ago.”

“We shall see.”

*

After Gemma showed me to the changing rooms and I’d swapped out my clothes for athletic gear, I returned to begin my self-defense training. Learning about my abilities was exciting, but it had been the thought of combat training which most enticed me to become the royal companion. I could afford to take my time mastering my gifts, but I needed to be able to defend myself as soon as possible. I’d spend night and day in the gym if that’s what it took to avoid ever again being at the receiving end of another man’s violence and rage. I’d never let myself be that vulnerable again.

*

Much to my dismay, Knox spent the first hour going over stretches and breathing techniques. “In battle,” he said, “if you cannot control your oxygen intake, you will tire quickly, making your opponents desire to end you that much easier. Breathing is essential.” I had faith in Knox’s competence as a trainer, but I definitely left my lesson feeling discouraged, unaccomplished, and not the least bit sweaty.

***

Back in my suite, I lounged on my comfy sofa and scrolled through the day’s texts from my aunt. “Would you like a shower before changing for dinner?” Winnie asked cheerfully. I put the phone down on the white stone coffee table as I replied, “I don’t see why, I didn’t even break a sweat today.”

“I’m sure tomorrow will be more challenging,” Freya said hopefully as though she knew exactly what I wanted to hear.

“Thank you.” She sent me a smile in response. Though Winnie was the talkative one between them, Freya seemed to understand me better. I was grateful for their presence. They were far more than maids to me. They were more like guides. I knew whatever I didn’t learn from Ambrosia, about the way the guardian world operated, I could learn from Freya and Winnie.

*

While the girls selected my attire for the evening I ran a brush through my hair, redoing the style into something a little more elegant. Gemma warned me dinner in the castle was considered a formal affair. In my long white robe, I came out of the bathroom to see what my ladies had laid out for me. “Wow, this is what guardians wear to dinner on a regular day?” I asked in amazement at the fancy frock laying on the bed.

“In the palace it is,” Freya answered. The neckline was a bit low for my taste, but I loved the intricate beading.

*

I took the pale-blue gown into the bathroom and slipped the delicate fabric over my body. The sleeves flowed in a cascade of lace, giving me the appearance I fit right in amongst the lavish atmosphere of the palace. It was difficult not to feel like royalty in that dress.

*

After I stepped out of the room, Winnie gasped and said, “Lady Ember, you look exquisite.”

“You two picked the gown,” I reminded her.

“But it’s you who makes the gown look good,” Freya told me. “Here, you need your embellishments.” Before I could wonder what she meant, she had a silver belt cinched around my waist. Winnie added a bejeweled comb to my hair and an amethyst stone pendant on a silver chain around my neck.

*

“There,” Winnie said as she dabbed a subtle application of gloss to my lips. “You’re ready.”

“She needs shoes, Winnifred,” Freya chided. “Honestly, you’d forget your head if it weren’t for me.” Freya motioned for me to take a seat. I wanted to point out my ability to put on my own shoes, but I didn’t want to insult her by implying she wasn’t needed.

*

Freya slipped a pair of silver bejeweled flats onto my feet. “Perfect!” I said with delight. “Thank you, ladies.”

“It’s our pleasure, Lady Ember.”

“It’s five till six,” Winnie announced. “You’d better get going. Lady Ambrosia-”

“I know, doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Although, I’m sure she’d let it slide for you.”

“Why would she let it slide for me?”

“The staff talk you know. We had lunch with Philip, Lady Ambrosia’s butler. He told us his mistress was very pleased with King Phoenix’s selection in making you his companion.”

*

My mouth dropped open in astonishment. “I… wow, I don’t know what to say.” I could only hope the matriarch wouldn’t be too disappointed when my arrangement with Phoenix came to an end. “If you pick up on anything else that pertains to me, I’d love to hear it,” I told Winifred. She nodded as Freya interjected. “You may not stay on her good side if you make a habit of being late.”

“Good point.”

*

I managed to find my way to the main staircase unaided. Phyneas waited at the base. When he saw me, he smiled and said, “Phoenix may be a wise king, but he’s an i***t of a man for missing an evening with you. You look divine.”

“Thanks. And you really wear the hell out of that suit, Pup.” His smile didn’t waver as he rolled his eyes, causing me to giggle. “Are you two coming?” I turned to see Gemma standing at the opening of a hallway behind the staircase. She wore a deep-red, form-fitted dress. Her black hair draped in soft curls over one shoulder. “Wow, Gem,” Phyneas commented. “Red is definitely your color.”

“Thanks, Phyn. I thought wear something special in honor of Ember’s first dinner.”

“You know I had dinner here last night, right?” I pointed out.

“That one didn’t count.”

“Why not?” I asked as I walked toward Gemma. She looped her arm through mine and answered, “Because we weren’t here.”

*

In the spacious dining room, lit with half-a-dozen copper chandeliers, the rest of our dinner party were already seated at the thick slab of tree trunk that served as the dining table. At the head sat Ambrosia, while along one side sat Sadie, Jasmine, and her twin, Jasper. Three empty seats awaited myself, Gemma, and Phyneas. The vacant seat opposite Ambrosia, I assumed belonged to the king, judging by the ornate design carved into the chair.

*

“Sadie, I didn’t expect for you to be joining us.” I said as I took the middle seat sandwiched between Gemma and Phyneas.

“You don’t decline an invitation to dine at the royal palace,” the beautiful blonde replied, “even when the king is not in residence. And besides, the chef employed here is the best in the city. I couldn’t get a better meal elsewhere if I tried.”

*

The servers brought out the first course and suddenly my mouth began to water as I realized my extreme hunger. “How was your first day of training, Lady Ember?” Phyneas’ little brother inquired.

“Surely we can dispense with the ‘Lady’ seeing as we are all members of the high court,” Sadie commented.

“That’s perfectly fine by me,” I admitted.

“You shouldn’t relinquish your title so hastily, my dear,” Ambrosia told me. “As the king’s companion you’ve a right to the respect that comes with that position. And with the king absent, you are in charge within the palace.”

“Me? Shouldn’t that be you?”

“Why? Because I am old?”

“Um…”

“I’m kidding, Ember. I may be the king’s grandmother, but within the castle it is the royal companion who’s in command.”

“Actually,” Jasmine piped up, “as the king’s second, Phyneas out ranks you both.” She looked at her big brother with great pride. “I didn’t know Phoenix had finally made it official,” Ambrosia said with delighted surprise. “Congratulations, Lord Merrick.”

“He knew I didn’t want to make a fuss,” Phyneas mumbled humbly.

“Wait,” I said, “so, that means you are… what? Vice-king?” He let out a laugh as he reached for his wine and said, “Something like that.”

*

“Lady Ember did not answer my question,” Jasper pointed out.

“It was a fair day,” I replied. “It could have gone better.”

“Indeed,” Sadie muttered.

“Lamond, you ought to be proud of Ember,” Phyneas said, coming to my defense. “She detected a lie from me after only one lesson with you.”

“As if that is a challenge. A child could detect a lie from you.”

“I can think of far worse things to be than a bad liar. A good liar for instance,” he said, clearly making a jab at her. She merely resumed eating without a reply.

*

“Do you have any inkling on what your dominant ability may be?” Jasmine asked me, sliding her half eaten salad away to make room for the next course. My appetite wouldn’t let me leave a single bite behind. I’d just swallowed a mouthful, when I replied, “I wish I did. But I seem to be equally inept at each of my abilities.”

“Perhaps cloaking will be your forte,” Ambrosia suggested. “Audrey will be here tomorrow to begin your training.”

“And Ember,” Gemma added, “Most of us don’t know our dominant ability after only one day. Give yourself some grace for crying out loud.”

“I wish I could, but I feel pressured to learn quick since Phoenix was kind enough to grant me one-on-one training from you all, rather than forcing me to join the academy.”

“Even if he hadn’t chosen you to be his companion,” Jasmine said, “I doubt Phoenix would’ve forced such unpleasantness on you. He’s nothing but a big softie.”

“He may be more compassionate than some of our past kings,” Jasper argued. “But I certainly wouldn’t call him a softie.”

“Ironic,” Phyneas said to his brother, “coming from someone who’s been on the receiving end of Nic’s mercy.”

“How so?” I wanted to know.

“It’s an old boring story,” Jasper brushed off my question and changed the subject.

*

“Where is His Majesty anyway?” Jasper inquired. “Shouldn’t he be here with his brand new companion. Or has he gone so long without a woman, he’s forgotten what to do with one?”

“Don’t be so brass, Jasper Merrick,” Ambrosia scolded.

“Forgive me, Lady Ambrosia. I meant no disrespect. I’m only curious as to why he is not here with his new companion.”

“His time is not always his own,” Sadie answered. “He has important responsibilities. Not that you would understand, seeing as you haven’t any.”

“You think it’s easy being this charming and good-looking?” He sent me a wink before he added, “It takes dedication.”

*

The loud contact of glass on wood grabbed my attention as Phyneas set his glass down with force. “Mind who you’re winking at, little bro,” he warned. “If Phoenix were here, he’d not hesitate to put you in your place.”

“But he’s not here, is he?” Jasper responded, paying absolutely no heed to his big brother’s agitation. “And I see no harm in a little flirting.”

“You never do,” Sadie said with a solemness to her voice I didn’t expect from her.

*

“Phoenix and I are just friends,” I felt the need to make known.

“Alas, that doesn’t matter,” Jasper replied with a sigh. “Though you may not have a romantic relationship with the king, social rules dictate you cannot be pursued by another, so long as you are the official royal companion.”

“He is quite right, Ember dear,” Ambrosia added.

“It’s one of the reasons I told you to be careful who you spend your time with,” Sadie said, “Once you’ve sullied your image, it can never be clean again.” She obviously spoke from experience.

*

“Thanks for the advice. I appreciate you all looking out for me,” I said sincerely. “But it doesn’t matter. I’m not interested in a romantic relationship with anyone. I only want to focus on my training.”

“All the more reason why there’s nothing wrong with being the recipient of a wink now and again,” Jasper stated as he clinked Sadie’s glass with his own, earning him a glare from her, before he drained his wine.

*

The next course arrived and for a brief time silence descended upon the room as we enjoyed our meal. I knew Jasper only intended to have a bit of irresponsible fun, but his question bounced around in my head all through dinner. Why was Phoenix absent? What could be so important to keep him away? And why was a part of me hurt that he hadn’t bothered to inform me of his departure directly? I have no claim on him, I reminded myself. I’m not going to be his companion for long.

*

Idle chit chat once again filled the dining room as the meal came to an end. I participated when necessary, but my mind would not be detoured from the guardian king. When dessert came, my fatigue began to catch up to me, though I wasn’t eager to retreat upstairs for sleep. For whatever reason, since meeting Phoenix, I’d ceased dreaming of him. The dream void was unfortunately filled with unpleasant memories of the night I ended up in the hospital. Every time my subconscious took over, I returned to that dark parking lot.

*

“Hey,” Phyneas placed a hand on mine as he whispered, “you okay?” I could only nod my head, knowing if I spoke my voice would betray me. With an observant gaze, Ambrosia caught our brief exchange and said, “You should retire early if you are fatigued, dear. Today was easy compared to what tomorrow will bring. You’ll need to be well-rested.”

“I don’t doubt that,” I replied. “But I don’t miss dessert for anything in the world. Especially when it’s cheesecake.” I looked to the server distributing the last course. “Let’s grab a couple slices to-go, Em,” Gemma suggested. She scooted her chair back and got to her feet, not planning to take no for an answer. I followed suit, bidding good-night to the group on my way out of the dining room.

*

Gemma and I each had a plate of desert in hand as we made our way in the direction of my suite. Unable to delay the pleasure, I stabbed the cake with my fork and moaned in delight at the flavor of tangy cream cheese expertly mixed with sugar, among other tasty things. “Ambrosia would nag you into next week if she caught you eating in the castle corridors,” Gemma said.

“According to my ladies,” I responded after I’d swallowed, “Phoenix’s grandmother has a soft spot for me.”

“I’m inclined to agree. I’ve never seen her warm up to anyone so immediately.” After I licked the fork clean and speared another bite, I said, “Why do you think that is? What is it about me she likes so much?” She shrugged a shoulder and replied, “I don’t know for sure. You’re down-to-earth and she’s always valued humility.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed that judging by the personality of her own daughter.”

“You’ve met Magnolia?!”

*

I proceeded to relay the story of Magnolia’s ambush the day before. When I’d finished, Gemma said, “Holy s**t. Nic must have been furious.”

“It sounded that way. Though I’ve forgotten most of the French I learned in college. Language never was my strong suit. I don’t know why I thought it’d make a good elective.”

“Maybe somewhere deep down you knew you’d need it someday.”

“I can’t image why. I don’t see myself ever living in France. I’ve found my dream home and it’s Ilia.”

*

Gemma and I entered my suite and found that the servants had lit a fire in the fireplace for me in anticipation of my return. Though it was late summer, the mountain palace could get drafty at night.

*

“What about you?” I asked Gemma as I placed the empty dessert plate on the coffee table and slipped off my shoes. “Have you ever wanted to live anywhere else?”

“I’ve been all over the world. My dad used to relocate us frequently for his career. I didn’t know what lasting friendships were before we settled here.” As she sat down beside me she continued, “I hope you know… I consider you a friend now too, not just my cousin. You’re stuck with us all, whether you like it or not.” I toyed with the pendant on my necklace and said, “You know, I thought I’d reached a point of acceptance in my life where I didn’t need anybody to be happy. That ‘besties’ were overrated and only existed in fiction.”

“That’s a shame,” she replied sadly.

“Thanks for proving me wrong,” I clarified, causing her to grin.

“Happy to.”

***

Gemma took my empty plate when she left. Before she departed, she reminded me of what Ambrosia said, that I should get some sleep, because the next day would bring a lot of hard work. I picked up my shoes from under the coffee table and slipped past the curtains into the bedroom. I aimed straight for the bathroom to change, but a white square piece of paper placed on my pillow caught my eye. As I lifted the note, I read the words:

LEAVE now or face the consequences.

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