The Guardian King

Chapter Twenty-nine

~ Phoenix

*

My first week training Ember went by in a flash. Her capability progressed slowly and I’d yet to pinpoint exactly what held her back. Each day became more difficult than the one before to keep the friendship barrier she insisted on firmly in place. The bond she remained somewhat unaware of strengthened the more she trusted me and the longer we spent in each other’s presence. Although I still felt it too early to reveal the truth.

*

After ten straight days of training, I encouraged my companion to take some well-deserved time off and let her mind and body relax for a couple days. I’d needed to catch up on my royal responsibilities anyway. All morning I spent reading over Knox’s reports, signing the mountain of documents in my inbox, and reviewing Ilia’s plans for Adlegatio. But no matter the content of information I attempted to burry myself in, my thoughts always circled back to my angel.

*

I’d learned a lot about her that previous week together. An entirely different person resided beneath her protective exterior. She was modest, humble, and kind that was all obvious, but upon further exploration I discovered resilience, dedication and determination. Her life in the human world had not been easy. I imagined any other guardian in that situation surrendering to a mountain of hopelessness and depression, but Ember had risen far above the challenges of her human upbringing and refused to let the loneliness hold her back. Since finding her true home among our people, she poured renewed strength into becoming the best guardian she could be. Which she didn’t realize would be more powerful than even me.

*

After another failed attempt to focus on the paperwork laid out before me, I tossed my pen to the side and rubbed my face in vexation. I rolled the chair backwards and took in the sight of the royal grounds from my office window. From my perspective I saw a great distance across the courtyard to the veranda where Ember and I first officially met. The location seemed to be a favorite of hers, because there she was again. Even from afar I appreciated her beauty as I watched her attempt to practice telekineses. With a sigh, I stood and made my way through the castle in her direction.

*

My socked feet made no noise as I crossed the porch and stopped only a few feet behind her. I watched her struggle a few more moments, before I made my presence known by saying, “I thought I made it clear the benefit of taking time away from training?” Her body jerked slightly as I inadvertently startled her. But she quickly recovered and said, “And I thought I made it clear I don’t like being watched.”

“When did you make that clear?”

“When I accused you of being a hunter stalking it’s prey, chasseur.” Her use of the French word for hunter in reference to me nearly stopped my heart. “Chasseur?” I questioned with an inquisitive brow.

“It’s a fitting name for you. You always seem to corner me when I least expect it.”

“My deepest apologies if I’ve ever made you feel cornered, little dove. Would you like me to leave?” Though she may never admit it, the nickname I gave her softened her resolve, which is precisely why I continued its use.

*

“It’s your home,” Ember uttered. “You can go wherever you wish.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” I pointed out as I stepped closer. “Don’t you know the benefit of taking a day off?”

“Look who’s talking? What have you been up to today? Hmm? Don’t lie.”

“I promised I would never lie to you. And you’re right, I am a hypocrite. Which is why I know you deserve better than to work yourself to exhaustion.”

“I’m only running through the basics,” she claimed.

“And have you made any progress?” I asked her.

“None.”

“Perhaps my presence will help.”

*

Without a reply from her, I narrowed the gap between us. It was then I saw the bags under her faded blue eyes. I suppressed the urge to ask as I got the feeling she would only evade answering. Instead I asked, “What are you trying to do?” I followed the finger she pointed to find a strawberry cream cheese danish on a plate a few yards away. “I see you’re highly motivated. Is that your breakfast?”

“Yes. I figured if I can’t move the danish, I don’t deserve it.”

“Alright, then move it.”

*

I placed a gentle hand at the base of her back as she returned her focus to her breakfast. With an outstretched hand and crinkled brow, she willed the pastry up off the plate. It responded instantly as it moved straight into her outstretched hand. “Why can I only do it whenever you’re around?” she wondered.

“I am just that special.”

“Seriously, you swear you aren’t helping? Even a little?”

“I swear to you, little dove, on the king’s ring,” I held up my right hand, “I have not been doing a thing to aid your telekineses apart from my presence and tutoring.” Though I did know the reason she was more successful in my proximity.

*

“Now that you have achieved your goal,” I said, “how about you eat your breakfast and take a break. You’ve earned it.”

“I hardly feel as though I’ve earned anything,” she replied, taking her first bite of danish.

“Sometimes its important to celebrate the small victories, Ember.”

“Minuscule is more like it.”

“Have you always been so hard on yourself?”

“Are we back to playing twenty questions?”

“Should we?”

“No. I’ve revealed everything I wish to for the foreseeable future.”

*

I let her finish her food in peace. When she was done, she walked over to the nearby outdoor table, which held a tray containing an empty mug and a carafe of coffee. She filled the mug halfway then finished it off with cream and sugar. “I wasn’t expecting to be joined by anyone,” she explained. “I only brought one mug.”

“That’s alright. I only drink espresso.”

“I tried espresso once,” she stated.

“And?”

“Disgusting.”

“I doubt you drank it prepared correctly.”

“That’s a strong assumption.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”

“How would I even know?”

“Try it again, but prepared by me.”

“What do I get in return?” she asked boldly.

“The most delicious espresso ever to pass your lovely lips.”

“So you say.”

“When are you going to stop doubting me?” Ember didn’t have an answer, but I suspected it would have been similar to around the same time she stopped doubting herself.

*

In an attempt to lighten the mood I said, “Now that you’ve successfully accessed your ability, and you’ve had some food and caffeine, are you ready to have a bit of fun?”

“What kind of fun?” she asked cautiously.

“The uninhibited kind. Come here.”

*

I took her hand and led her down the steps of the veranda, following the path around the hedge maze downhill to the lower lawn. When I stopped I said, “Tell me what you see.”

“Nothing,” she replied. “This is the only section of the castle grounds that isn’t occupied by foliage of any kind.”

“Except the grass,” I corrected. Before us lay a section of open yard where I’d hosted the occasional royal picnic. When not in use for events, the yard was a blank canvas of the plushest, greenest grass.

*

“I don’t understand,” Ember expressed. “Why are we staring at the grass?” I began to remove my socks as I explained, “When was the last time you ran barefoot across soft luscious grass?”

“Um… never.”

“Never?”

“I grew up on the beach, remember?”

“Then it’s high time you experienced the freedom.”

“Are you serious?”

“That running through grass barefoot is the relief you need after a month of strenuous training? Yes, I’m absolutely serious. Come on, take your boots off.” She groaned aloud, but ultimately did as I asked.

*

“Now what?” she wanted to know.

“Now… we race to the other side.”

“Are you kidding? Your legs are twice as long as mine, there’s no way I can win in a race against you.”

“That’s not the point, Ember. The point is to let loose a little and have some fun. Are you ready?”

“I guess.”

“One… two… three… go!” I let her make the first move. As she took of running, so did I. I overtook her, on my way to an easy victory, when I suddenly felt my pace slow as though running through molasses. “What the heck?” I said aloud as Ember swiftly passed me, grinning smugly. “You little cheater!” I called through my laughter.

*

When I jogged up to her, on the opposite side from where we started, I said, “Did you use your ability against the guardian king, little dove?”

“That is a serious allegation, Your Majesty. Do you have any proof to back it up?”

“None whatsoever,” I responded with a smile.

*

“You were right, Nic,” she admitted. “I really needed that. Exerting energy just for the sake of it and not to further my training. I didn’t realize how cooped up I’d been feeling.”

“Rematch?”

“No way. There’s no chance of me winning against you again.”

“Now that I know your tricks, you mean?” She gave me a look of dramatized innocence and sarcastically replied, “I’m sure I don’t.”

*

Birds sang in the distance and the warm summer breeze wafted her lose hairs in front of her face. I brushed away the rogue stands, tucking them securely behind her ears. Without a word I took her hand and pulled her to the center of the lawn. I placed her hand on my chest, sliding an arm around her waist. I then reached to hold her other hand and proceeded to lead her in a waltz to unheard music.

*

After a few steps, my angel looked at me with a smile she couldn’t hide and asked, “Nic… what are you doing?”

“If you’ve never ran barefoot across grass before, I thought chances were good you’ve probably never danced across it.” Her sigh said everything she hadn’t the courage to. Her resolve not to trust me began to crumble. She relented, putting her head on my chest as I switched from a formal waltz to a casual sway. In my arms, every drop of tension and stress melted away from her. She wasn’t the only one effected by our proximity. The power of her presence calmed me. For nearly twenty-five years I’d known I belonged to someone, yet I hadn’t a clue what that would feel like when I actually had that person in my arms. The reality proved infinitely better than anything I could’ve imagined.

*

After a few minutes she tilted her head back looking up at me. “Why did you choose me?” she asked again.

“I told you, I wanted to explore why I was drawn to you.”

“You were drawn to me because I’m an unknown.”

“You were an unknown. You aren’t anymore. And that had nothing to do with it.” I stilled our movements and dropped her hand, moving mine to hold her face as I said, “You moved to Middlebrook on impulse, that takes courage. You didn’t flee the moment you learned you weren’t human, that shows resilience. You’ve recognized the greatest power a guardian possesses lies within the bond that connects us to one another, something it takes other guardians a lifetime to learn. That reflects wisdom. And you persevered in the face of the unknown by agreeing to be my companion for the sake of your training, that proves tenacity.” I rested my forehead against hers as I whispered, “How could I not be drawn to you?”

*

The yearning to press my lips to hers had mounted to irresistible proportions. I gaged her expression for any unwillingness and gave her every opportunity to push me away before I slowly moved to close the gap between us. A hair’s breath from her full lips a click echoed through the silence followed by a tick tick tick. Confusion made me freeze, until we were suddenly hit with water from the activated sprinklers. I didn’t have time to wonder why they were off their normal timer. Ember shrieked in surprised and we jumped apart.

*

I expected her to make a dash for the safety of the covered porch, but instead she broke out in giggles as she basked in the falling droplets. Laughter overtook me as well at the sight of her jubilantly enjoying the simulated rain. I took her hand again and she happily let me spin her around in an exuberant dance.

*

Once we were both thoroughly dripping wet, I grabbed our discarded footwear and led her back around the path we’d previously taken. Under the balcony, I looked into her face and discovered her eyes were once again a vibrant blue. Before I could ask about her color-changing irises she shivered, prompting me into action. “Follow me,” I said, leading her into the castle. “Nic, we are going to get the floor wet.”

“I’m not about to let you freeze.”

*

I guided her to the natatorium. “I knew this room was here,” she said, admiring the atmosphere, “but I’ve never been inside.”

“I spend practically as much time here as I do my office.”

“But why are we here now?”

“Take off your tunic.” For the first time since we’d known each other, she didn’t question me; a sure sign she was beginning to let me in.

*

While Ember unfastened her belt and unwrapped the wet fabric from her body, I lowered my hand beneath the surface of the water and exerted enough energy to heat the entire body of water to a toasty 102 degrees. Ember watched me and must have understood my purpose, as she proceeded to lower herself into the water. Her grey tank top clung to her skin as she let out a sigh of contentment. “This feels amazing,” she moaned. I shed my shirt, leaving my pants in place for her comfort, and entered the water as I replied, “We were already wet, I figured this was the quickest way to get warm.”

*

Ember floated onto her back letting the water warm her scalp. When she sat up again and looked at me her eyes practically shone. “Aren’t you always warm?”

“Are we continuing our game of twenty questions?” I replied.

“Now is as good a time as any. This is so relaxing.”

“Mind if I go first?”

“If memory serves, wasn’t it my turn?”

“That’s correct,” I admitted.

“Go ahead. I don’t have a question yet anyway.”

“Do you know your eyes change colors? If so, do you know why?”

“You haven’t figured it out yet, oh great observer who doesn’t need spies to learn things about me?”

“Ha ha,” I replied sarcastically. “I admit I am fallible. Rare, but it happens. Why do your eyes change colors?”

“I used to pretend they didn’t. Kids, at least in the human world, enjoy teasing those who are different. But now I know I’m not human… it doesn’t bother me anymore.” She brushed her wet hands over her face, before she continued, “The shade of blue changes based on how I’m feeling. Bright-blue when I’m happy, light-blue when I’m scared or tired, and navy-blue when I’m angry.”

“I suspected the cause had something to do with your emotions. Even in the guardian world, that is one of the most uniquely fascinating signs of God’s creativity I’ve ever witnessed.” Her cheeks turned bright red and she broke eye contact with me as she bit her lip, unsure how to react to the compliment.

*

“That wasn’t a question you can also answer,” Ember pointed out.

“Then ask me two questions in a row,” I suggested. She faced me again and asked, “How many tattoos do you have?”

“Seven. You?”

“Just one.”

“I hope to see it one day.”

“It would involve seeing me topless so don’t hold your breath.”

“Before I let my mind get carried away with the mental image… what’s your next question?”

“Why have you only ever been in one relationship?” The deeply personal nature of her query caught me off guard as she was not the type to ask something so revealing. We were entering into new territory, which was encouraging… but I still had to answer the question.

*

I combed my hair back with my wet hands and chose my words with exceptional care as I answered, “I’ve been on the same path since I was nine years old. In the past twenty-plus years I’ve, uh… struggled to find a woman who fits into the path God’s laid before me.”

“What about Sadie?”

“Technically that’s another question,” I pointed out, “but I’ll answer it for free.” I cleared my throat and continued, “I met Sadie during a time in my life when I was drowning in loneliness. On the surface she seemed to fit into my destiny fairly well. It took me the better part of two years to realize the truth that we didn’t fit into either one’s destiny.”

“You don’t seem to harbor any ill will against her, despite her betrayal?”

“I admit, a fraction of my pride was wounded over her actions, but I am self-aware enough to know it’s merely my ego. The hurt she caused was only superficial and has long since faded away.”

“Do you still care for her?”

“Another question? You’re racking up quite the debt.” She smiled knowing I was only teasing. “What I feel toward her is purely admiration for her dedication to her skills and excellence in her field. She is an asset to my court.”

“Isn’t her uncle the one you believe to be responsible for nearly killing you?”

“Her great-uncle, yes. But until I have proof she is in contact with him, I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt… for the most part.”

*

“Is it finally my turn?” I asked. “Or do you have a dozen more questions for me?”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. Game aside, you’re free to ask me anything, anytime.”

“What’s your question?” she wanted to know.

“How many relationships have you been in?” She pursed her lips uncomfortably, narrowed her eyes, and lifted her hand above the surface of the water. As droplets fell, she focused her telekinetic ability, suspending them in midair, just before she sent them flying into my face.

*

Completely taken off guard by the use of her ability to splash me, I could only look at her with a stunned expression, which caused her to burst into a fit of laughter. We’d been crouching in the shallow end of the pool where the water was only a few feet. I slowly rose to my full height and gave her a predatory grin as I said, “You want to play with water, do you?” Before she could respond, I playfully grabbed her, easily lifting her above the water. “Phoenix!” she exclaimed with laughter, before I tossed her into the deep end of the pool.

*

I chuckled to myself as I moved toward the steps, getting out of the pool. I crossed the room to the wall where towels were stacked on the shelves. As a flag of truce, I selected a thick white towel to have at the ready for my companion. But when I turned back towards the pool I noticed she had not yet surfaced. Was she pranking me? Or merely showing off how long she could hold her breath?

*

In concern, I returned to the edge of the pool and my heart instantly stopped at the sight of her struggling to come up. Bubbles billowed around her from frantic movement and I launched myself into the water. As I made it to the bottom and wrapped my arms firmly around her, I attempted to push off the bottom of the pool only to find her unmovable. An unexplained invisible force held her down. This was no accident. Someone or something was intent on drowning my angel.

*

I blasted a wave of telekinetic energy around us, successfully severing the hold the water had on Ember. I pulled her against me and shoved off the bottom. When we surfaced, her lack of sputtering or gasping struck fear through my core. I pulled her limp body out of the pool, laying her carefully on the cold stone floor. “Ember!” I yelled. “Don’t do this to me, Angel.” I forced myself to calm down and focus, resting a hand on her chest and channeling telekinetic energy into carefully removing water from her lungs and up her esophagus. Moving things I could not see was no easy fete, made more difficult by the challenge of telekinetically discerning the difference between water and blood in her body. But my desperation to aid my companion fueled my power and gave me the skill to pull every last drop of pool water from her lungs.

*

Ember suddenly regained consciousness, spitting out water before finally gasping for air. Satisfied she was at least breathing again, I scooped her up into my arms and rapidly carried her through the castle towards my bedroom.

*

Ember was quiet but still conscious when I carefully placed her wet form on my black silk comforter. I brushed the dripping hair away from her face as I looked into her eyes and whispered, “You’re going to be alright, mon ange. I’m going to call Phyneas.” She nodded weakly and I kissed her forehead before hurrying from the room.

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

Author’s Note:

I am sorry this chapter is so late, I’m just getting over strep throat. Hope it does not disappoint. Thanks for reading!

~E.K.