“Oh, come on, girl. Don’t fight it. We don’t have time for this. ’Ere, back pocket, shove some more on,” Ayk snapped at Dan.
The cloth left her face for a blessed few seconds, but her breathing was too panicked to scream before it was pushed back on, suffocating her. This time there was no choice, her body needed to breathe. She gasped a great lung-full of the foul stuff. Her mind became fuzzy and her arms and legs heavy. Unable to fight any longer, her body went lax.
“Saviour, my arse,” muttered Ayk. He picked her up just as she blacked out.
Chapter 39
Hugo had deliberately avoided going anywhere near Diamond until this morning. Staying away was safer for them both, especially as his magic reacted wildly to hers, and he couldn’t seem to stop himself wanting to touch her or comfort her in some way. Spies and informants worked every nook and cranny of this vast palace, and he wasn’t stupid enough to think the Queen wouldn’t hear about this morning.
Of course, Hugo also made it his business to know what Diamond was doing and who she was with, every minute of every day. Every six hours her guards changed. He often waited impatiently for their reports even though they had nothing much to tell him. Rose, Kitty and one visit from Tom had been Diamond’s only company—so far. It seemed Jack had been too busy organising his own court and council to seek Diamond out; either that, or General Edo was keeping him too busy in the valley to return.
Hugo stretched out his wings and de-armoured them before relaxing his grip on his sword. The Silverbore blade sung as it cut through the air and slid home in the scabbard on his back.
Tallo Nosco nodded and grinned, “Thanks for the practice, commander. I’m glad to see you haven’t become sloppy since you disappeared to the north.”
The master-at-arms sheathed his own blade and bent to pick up his discarded tunic. The older male was all tough, lean muscle and scars; despite his advancing years, he was the only male Hugo had ever met who could challenge him with a sword. He was also the only fae in this palace Hugo ever let his guard down with.
“Anytime, old man,” countered Hugo, grinning.
“Piss off—old man,” Tallo grumbled.
Hugo chuckled as Tallo flipped a rude gesture his way. The warrior who had once trained the young Queen’s guard recruits grinned back.
Before their grins had faded, a deafening roar followed by a column of fire streaming high above the palace snapped them to alertness. Armour clattered across their wings. Together they gaped upward. Glowing sparks crackled across the ancient shield as it devoured the red hot dragon fire. A black-winged shadow glided past. Hugo instantly grabbed his armour off the dusty ground. Sweat ran down his face as he watched the dragon turn gracefully in the air.
“Holy shit! What is that?!” exclaimed Tallo.
“That is the guardian I told you about,” responded Hugo, quickly fastening the armour around his broad torso.
Tallo dressed, becoming the calm and controlled warrior once again.
Hugo nodded and, as one, the two warriors bent their knees and launched upward, their metallic wings glinting impressively in the luminescent light of the shield. Hugo slowed to hover about forty feet off the ground, feeling suddenly torn. His responsibility lay with protecting his Queen. The tower glinted in the sunlight as if daring him to turn away from it. He closed his eyes and he heaved a frustrated growl, but his Queen was not the face burning brightly behind his eyelids right now.
“Commander, I must re-join my captains,” Tallo barked, not bothering with a farewell as his momentum increased and he headed out.
Hugo beat his wings powerfully, his eyes flickering from the palace to the wall. A sudden surge of panic set his heart pounding. This wasn’t his emotion, he realised quickly. It was muffled and shot through with disgust and fear.
Diamond! He whirled about. Remembering his reports from this morning, Hugo propelled himself toward the main gate. Rose was taking Diamond to view the city from the palace walls today. The main gate is where they would go.
A menacing black shadow glided close to the shield, then with a bellowing roar shot like a huge arrow down towards the ocean. A moment later Hugo heard far off screams. The air around him thrummed with energy, making his skin tingle. Spurring himself higher and nearer the shield, Hugo instinctively thrust out his magic, sending shadows crashing against the crackling blue dome. His muscles spasmed and it was an effort to keep flying forward as he forced his body to absorb the shield’s might. When its energy began to burn in his blood, he yanked his magic back inside.
His silver wing markings flared brightly and his eyes blazed with molten silver fire. Shocked, he realised that the shield’s extra power had enhanced his senses. He could hone in on the minutest detail and focus on each individual conversation if he wished. Hugo stopped, arched his back and roared up at the shield, his face inches from it. The beast inside him roared along with him.
Now. Let me out now, it urged. Let me find her.
No, he answered, forcing it back inside its cage.
Other warriors watched the Queen’s guard warily from afar but none approached. To them, dark wings equalled dark magic. Hugo narrowed his focus on the wall. How right they were.
A crowd of guards gathered together on the second watch tower. Their faces were fraught with fear and indecision. They saw him coming and made a space, every one of them eyeing him with alarm. Then he realised why. Two bodies lay atop each other, thrown haphazardly into a dark corner of the tower wall. Their heads lay at a grotesque angle, exposing sinews and vessels, their eyes glassy in bone white faces.
“Who is in charge here?!” bellowed Hugo, trying to control the dread in his heart.
A tall thin warrior stepped forward. A fae captain. “I am, sir.” The male saluted, outwardly calm.
“Where is the girl?” Hugo barked. Diamond had definitely been here; he could smell her, not to mention feel the remnants of her horror at those deaths.
“What girl, sir?” the man stuttered looking confused.
Hugo stared long and hard. His razor-sharp eyes zoning in on the male’s large pupils, the sweat beading his brow, and his eyes that darted to his left farther along the wall when Hugo deliberately glanced back at the bodies. Faster than lightening, Hugo slammed his foot into the warrior’s gut.
“Where is she?!” he bellowed. The fae landed on his back as Hugo pulled both his swords. “Tell me now or you die and so do your warriors,” he threatened, thrusting one blade against the back of a young warrior’s neck.
Barely into adulthood, the fae was younger than Hugo, maybe seventeen, and had clearly never seen any real fighting. A wet patch appeared on the boy's breeches. Hugo snarled in disgust and stepped sideways, but placed his second blade threateningly against the boy’s stomach. They all knew he would kill every single one of them if they defied him.
“I-I don’t know where they went. It was two soldiers; they took her and the other girl towards the next turret. That’s all I know—I swear it, sir.” This time the fae looked him in the eye as if willing him to believe. Hugo did not have time to wonder if he was lying or to punish him for holding back information.
“If you are lying to me, I will ensure you die an extremely painful death,” he told the warrior. “See to it Lord Commander Ream hears of this,” he ordered, inclining his head at the bodies. He pushed the young warrior away before launching into a run.
Hugo inhaled as he sprinted across the section of wall spanning the main gates. Diamond’s scent was strong on the air, almost as if she were running next to him. Another group of soldiers gathered around a crumpled figure on the floor.
“Rose?” uttered Hugo, dropping to his knees by the healer. Her face was swollen as if she had taken a hard blow. He swore.
“Commander?” her face paled even as she tried to sit up.
“Where did they take her?” he asked.
She just stared at him.
“Rose!” he barked. “Where did they go? I need to get her back!”
Rose hesitated and shook her head as if clearing it, then turned to the nearby turret.
“In there,” she breathed.
Not fae. Not flying, Hugo realised quickly, thanking the goddess.
The turret door slammed open as he barged through. It was dark inside save for the light from the arrow slits. He immediately stilled. Still buzzing with magic, his heightened senses picked up every sound from nearby. Listening intently, he didn’t know whether to be relieved he hadn’t run into a trap like a bumbling novice, or roar with frustration that she wasn’t in here. His anger and worry grew.
“Where have they taken you, my love?” he whispered to the empty turret.
Ignoring the thrashing desperation of the beast inside him, he calmed his breathing and his mind, and felt for her. He didn’t know how to work their venom bond properly yet, but magic was something he had known all his life. Absorbing more from the energised air was as easy as breathing. Hugo grinned and flexed his muscles. Rolling his neck, he melted into the shadows.
Following the sweet smell of summer flowers was easy, but curbing his rage was not. Mixed with Diamond’s scent was the disgusting stink of human male sweat—and fear. Two captors then, he mused. Not that it mattered, they would be dead soon enough. Damp tickled his nostrils as he descended unseen into the darkness. His boots were silent on the stone steps as down he went past ground level and the tower guard room into the pitch black. He was nothing more than rippling darkness as he stepped onto the earthen floor of the lowest level. Only spare gate machinery was housed down in this musty, unused store. Hugo adjusted his vision until the piles of heavy chains and workbenches came into a foggy view. Clearly no one had been down here for a long while—except two reeking humans and Diamond.
Hugo followed his nose, prowling toward what looked like a solid wall. Anyone else would have missed the concealed outline of a stone door. He inhaled and smelled the astringent herb they had used to drug her. Monksweet. A plant the Acolytes used to stifle magic and render their victims unconscious. Effective but short-acting. A cold rage settled on his heart. He had no idea who would want to take Diamond, but he did know they were going to die, and painfully, if they had harmed so much as a hair on her head. Carefully, slowly, he placed one palm against the upper brick of the door that looked cleaner than the rest and pushed.
Stone grated upon stone. Hugo stopped to listen, his body coiled and ready. Nothing. Every move of his body was perfectly controlled as he drew his blades and stalked forward.
Chapter 40
Murmured frantic whispering buzzed like the hum of an insect in Diamond’s ears. It stopped as she groaned and cracked her eyelids. What in Chaos? Her thoughts were muddled, her mind thick and syrupy. Where am I? This isn’t my room….
Outside, seagulls screeched and people shouted anxiously. A large group ran past the building, their feet stomping below the open window before fading away. Her arms were heavy, too heavy to move. Confused, Diamond opened her eyes fully and stared down. She was tied to a chair. Even as her mind registered that fact she felt the hard seat underneath her. Her head ached ferociously, and she couldn’t make her body move.
“Here,” came a muffled voice. “Drink some of this. It’ll make you feel better.”
Diamond swung her head away but large hands gripped her head from behind, keeping her still. Her captor held her nose, forcing her to drink. Lukewarm liquid hit the inside of her mouth. With no other choice, Diamond gulped and choked down the sweet solution until she wanted to vomit. Just before he pulled the cup away, she held a mouthful back, spraying it into his face. A petty defiance, but a defiance nonetheless. The man behind chuckled.
“There is no need for bad manners, girl. Our lord only wishes to speak with you.”
Ayk! She would not deign to answer him.
That potion cleared her mind a little. Ayk had kidnapped her—and murdered two Queen’s elite guards, just like that. No remorse, no hesitation.
Diamond squinted at the figure retreating to the window. His face was completely obscured by a black, featureless mask, which he was now wiping with his sleeve. He turned and looked outside, his head tilted down. They were upstairs then. Diamond cocked her head, listening to the madness of the city; the screams, the shouts, the distant roar of the guardian.
Blinking her scratchy eyes, she studied her captor. Broad shoulders, wide enough to block out the light, dipped to a trim waist. His cloak slipped sideways revealing golden wings folded almost flat into his back. A warrior then, Diamond realised, trying not to panic. What in Chaos is a warrior doing kidnapping his Queen’s prisoner? Her eyes darted to the small door, and she took a deep breath, her heart beginning to race. She didn’t know if she could get away from such a male without her magic. Probably not. The hair on her neck prickled as feet shuffled behind her and Ayk whispered with someone. Diamond wanted to laugh. She had been thrust from one prison right into another.
My life has turned to rat shit, she thought, dropping her head to stare at her dirt-stained leggings. A victim, that’s all she was. It occurred to her that’s all she had been for years. A bubble of self-deprecating laughter escaped. Without a doubt she had to be the most pathetic person she knew; even Tom stuck up for himself more than she did. The window warrior turned his head and stared long and hard at her. Feeling his gaze, she lifted her eyes. They sparkled vividly in her mirth.
“Is that mask supposed to scare me?” she scoffed before she could stop herself, a mad grin still plastered on her face.
The warrior turned back to his vigil by the window. “No,” he muttered.
“Where’s Rose?” Diamond asked, still foggy about what exactly had happened before she got here.
“Rose will be fine,” he answered curtly. “I’ll make sure of that.”
And that was that, no more talking. Silent minutes ticked by. Diamond didn’t know what she wanted to do more: laugh or scream. It seemed they were waiting for something—or someone. Tugging at the cord around her wrists only made her bonds tighten. With every vibration the strange silken rope dug into her wrists, becoming so tight her fingers turned white. It didn’t take long to realise she needed to keep still.
The sun moved, its beams eventually bathing her in light and warmth. It must be afternoon by now, she decided as her stomach clenched. Hugo would find her missing soon; he would start searching for her. She jumped as a downstairs door banged and thumping footsteps climbed closer. Moments later the door swung open. Diamond stiffened defensively.
“Hello, Miss Gillon,” said the newcomer. The fae by the window dipped his head in respect. “My lord,” he said in greeting, then stood straight-backed as if to attention.
“Who are you?” Diamond rasped. It had been hours since her last drink. Her throat was so dry it was difficult to talk,
“I’m a friend, Diamond,” he replied. Although he wore no mask, this man’s voice was gravelly and distorted.
Diamond shook her head to clear her ears, trying not to shrink away as the newcomer approached her chair. He stopped in front of her and crouched on his haunches until his face was level with hers. She blinked, and blinked again. The man’s face was twisted, his features contorted and rippling as though she were looking through a dirty puddle at him. It was distinctly nauseating.
“What do you want with me?” she asked, wishing her voice sounded stronger, less shaky.
Her captor’s mouth twisted in a strange smile, reminding her of Hugo. She closed her eyes and wished with all her heart that he was here now, despite everything. He had fought for her before, and in her gut she knew he would rip these men apart for taking her, even if it was only because they had killed two of his men in the process. But no. It would be better if he didn’t come, if she could escape on her own, get away from her new gaolers without him. If she could, it might be possible to run from the Queen.
The man continued, oblivious to her inner turmoil, “I want you to escape the Queen and live. I want you to save this world, and I want y
ou to fight for Eternity,” he said sincerely.
Diamond snorted with laughter, “You want me to live, to save the world—to escape? Oh, please. In case you hadn’t noticed I’m trussed up like a pig for slaughter…by you, not the Queen.” She yanked at her bonds and once again they tightened. She hissed in pain.
Her captor looked down and frowned at her bonds. “I am sorry about that, but please try and understand our nervousness with you. You annihilated over one hundred enemy troops and took out half a mile of forest with your magic. I couldn’t risk you doing that to us before I have time to explain,” he said, pulling a thin knife from his boot.
“Explain what?” countered Diamond, eyeing his knife warily. “And aren’t I more likely to listen to you if you haven’t got me bound to a chair?” she uttered through gritted teeth.
“Yes, but you would be wise to keep still. That is Haplotheria silk, the product of an ingenious little spider-like creature who kills its prey by crushing it with its web. This beautiful thread tightens against vibration and will not loosen by itself, so keep still, princess, and listen whilst I cut your bonds.”
Diamond stopped struggling and gripped the arms of the chair to keep her hands quieted.
“You are no ordinary half-blood,” he told her, leaning forward, the blade held loosely between tough, scarred fingers. Diamond leaned away but his breath became warm on her mouth.
The masked warrior stiffened as windows broke in a nearby building. It seemed the Valentian people were rioting and looting far too close for comfort.
“My lord, we need to leave. We can take the—” shadows hid the warriors eyes but Diamond felt him looking at her, “—the usual ways. You will have more time to persuade her of our cause in the safety of our normal haunts.”
“Diamond—my lady. The drug we used has dampened your gifts in a similar way as the shield, but it will wear off soon. If I cut you free, will you give me your word you will allow me time to explain?” asked the lord. “I give you my word in return, you will be safe from the Queen.”
The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet Page 25
