The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet

by Karen Tomlinson

  “W-what was that?” she stuttered, as the darkness lifted. Tired. She was so tired.

  “Later,” was all Hugo said, as panicked screaming began in the distance. “They’re clearing the docks. If we’re going to make it, we have to fly now whilst their attention is elsewhere.” Hugo’s voice was urgent but steady. His sapphire eyes scanned her red and sweaty face. “Are you ready?” he asked, opening his arms. She quickly stepped into his warmth and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Legs up around my waist,” he instructed.

  She did as he asked, her heart racing. Metal chinked as he armoured. In the dimness of the alley the pattern of silver rivulets seemed far brighter and infinitely more beautiful than she had ever seen them before. A gasp escaped her as they turned to a pattern of silver flames.

  “It’s the power in the shield,” he said by way of explanation, then hesitated before speaking again. “I can absorb it, feed on it. Somehow that guardian’s attack is making my magic stronger,” he told her, his eyes flicking warily to hers.

  He had expected shock or distaste. Diamond stared right back. He must know that nothing about his magic, or him, disgusted her. She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him, her chin tucked into the curve of his neck. For a few wonderful seconds he just held her tightly, inhaling deeply as he let his magic wrap around them. Diamond tightened her arms and legs and squeezed him back, pushing her face harder into his neck. She wished for courage enough to tell him how she felt. He took a breath as if to speak but no words came out, only a huge shuddering breath as he shook his head. Magnificent and powerful, those wings began to beat against the air and his magic withdrew. Diamond hoped she would not regret letting that moment pass.

  Chapter 43

  They slowly crested the roof tops, Hugo vigilantly searching the sky. More airborne warriors and guards passed nearby, focused on the distant docks. They ignored the single Queen’s guard and his charge. Hugo rapidly propelled them through the air, stealing Diamond’s breath. Her tunic flapped madly, the cold air cutting straight through her sheer blouse to freeze her skin beneath.

  Everything will be fine, she told herself, preferring to hide from reality by burying her face in Hugo’s neck rather than watch where they were going. His arms tightened around her, his back and shoulder muscles contracting and shifting urgently under her grip.

  The dragon was nowhere to be seen, only the smoking pyres of the dead ships were evidence of its wrath. Hugo headed over the jumbled rooftops, his eyes searching the city. Warily he watched the other fae in the skies, increasing his efforts and changing direction if any came too close.

  Hugo was heading toward the ice moon. East. This side of the island was open to the raging weather blown in from the Rough Seas. Below them lay small battered quays and tiny inlets. Fishing boats and small trade vessels bobbed around on the turbulent waters, safe under the protection of the shield.

  With her back to the direction they were heading and her face still buried in Hugo’s neck, Diamond did not see the lone fae diving down across the slanted rooftops. Golden wings flashing he headed in at an angle that would obscure him from even the Queen’s guard. Diamond snapped her head up as a familiar strong voice bellowed her name.

  “Diamond! Commander! Wait!”

  Hugo back winged and executed a swift defensive turn, holding her with one arm as he reached over and pulled a sword so quickly the blade was up before they faced the oncoming force of General Edo.

  “What do you want?” growled Hugo with eyes black as night.

  The general panted, a slight sheen of sweat on his brow. “Damn it, where have you been?” he blustered, looking at Diamond with concern. “Are you all right?” he asked quickly.

  Diamond could only nod in confusion.

  “Good. By the goddess, you had us worried. The Queen has all her guards out searching for you. The way she reacted when neither of you answered her summons to court was truly terrifying, even for me. Jack has sent out his own men to search for you.” His big chest heaved as he caught his breath. “If you return to the palace, she’ll kill you both,” he warned, his keen grey eyes searching the skies. A group of fae launched over the distant palace walls and dived down over the sloping island city scape.

  “Jack said I am to meet him at the goddess’ temple in the middle district in one hour, regardless of whether we find you or not. Come with me and we will get you out of this mess,” he told them earnestly.

  “Jack sent you to look for me?” Diamond asked, her eyes wide.

  “Of course he did. Diamond, he is beside himself with worry. You saved his life. He always intended to get you out of that palace, but if we don’t go now the Queen’s men will be upon you and there will be no hope of escape.”

  “Hugo?” Diamond whispered urgently.

  Hugo stared at the general silently, suspicion pouring off him.

  “Oh, by Erebos’ balls, commander! We need to get her to safety. I know you care for her. Gods damn it! It’s in your face every time you look at her—even when you try and hide it. Everyone can see, including your Queen. What the hell do you think is going to happen to Diamond when you take her back to that place? Do you think she will be allowed to live? She is as good as my daughter, I helped raise her! At least let her come with me, and she might stand a chance of getting away. Jack has already arranged passage for Diamond on a trade vessel. Hugo, if you want to go too, the captain is all about profit. I’m sure for a few more gold coins he will take you too.”

  Diamond felt Hugo’s body tense with indecision as he looked over his shoulder at the eastern docks, then back at the general who tensely watched the distant group of warriors move closer.

  “Fine,” growled Hugo and sheathed his blade. His arm came back around her and adjusted her weight. “Lead the way, general,” he said.

  General Edo immediately dived down among the roof tops leading them away from the approaching fae. When they had skirted around enough of the city to hide them, he led Hugo back up towards the middle district. Ordinary fae with golden feathered or sheer wings zipped about, their movements urgent. Some eyed the warriors and gave them a wide berth, others did not even notice, intent on their own business. Below, the streets were littered with debris. Horses clattered over the cobbles, as those without wings either urgently returned home or tried to run for the valley. It seemed the dragon did not even need to directly attack the city to cause utter carnage.

  A domed rooftop appeared ahead, its green and yellow lichen-covered curves a sorry sight. The temple of light sat in its own grounds, just as the one in Berriesford had, and looked equally as neglected. Large trees stood like sentinels, boughs sagging under their own immense weight. The burning pyre had long since fallen into disrepair and lay in a collapsed heap. General Edo circled over a nearby avenue lined with shops and pointed downward. It was large enough to land in and practically deserted.

  Glass crunched under Hugo’s boots as he smoothly landed, his eyes instantly scanning the buildings and shadows. His arms tightened around her shoulders as her feet slid to the ground. Cold kissed her skin as he gently pulled away.

  Diamond was suddenly scared. “You won’t leave me, will you?” she whispered urgently, worried that as soon as they met Jack, Hugo would return to the palace. They both knew the Queen’s search would be unrelenting and her wrath like nothing on this earth if one of her elite guard deserted. Diamond's cold fingers clutched at his forearms as if her touch alone could stop him from going back to that life.

  Hugo smiled reassuringly and cupped the back of her head in one big hand, then leaned down until his lips brushed her forehead. “No. I will never leave you,” he whispered.

  “Come on!” urged General Edo, running past them. “We need to get off this street.”

  They reached the end of the wide avenue within seconds. Both warriors leaned up against the wall of a large corner building.

  Hugo peered out, checking the main thoroughfare. “Go!” he hissed, nodding at General Edo, who grabbed Diam
ond’s hand.

  “Run!” the general urged.

  Together they surged across the street and darted in through a rusty iron gate. The temple garden was dim and cold. Eerie quiet sat upon it, even the city noise did not penetrate here. Their breathing and footsteps sounded far too loud. General Edo quickly pulled her off the path into the shadows under a Lyca tree. The large red leaves drooped down, almost touching the floor, its boughs creating a dim hiding place. Standing with his back to the red trunk, General Edo narrowed his eyes, searching the grounds and the temple’s many arches. Finally his gaze assessed the main doors.

  Hugo darted into the shadows of a yew tree opposite—and disappeared. Diamond blinked but said nothing. The general was too busy studying the temple to notice. Silently they waited. Nothing moved other than two seagulls that landed on an ancient archway and squawked loudly.

  “Where’s Hugo?” The general frowned after a few minutes. Nothing moved in the shadows. His whole body tensed, his eyes searching frantically.

  “I’m here,” Hugo rumbled, his voice barely more than a vibration directly behind them.

  Diamond felt goose bumps rise on her skin, her magic flaring as he touched her reassuringly with his. How had he moved behind them without being seen or heard? Clearly her childhood guardian was wondering the same thing. Hugo ignored the question in General Edo’s eyes and, with his swords drawn, stepped closer to Diamond.

  “It seems quiet. The others should be here soon. What do you want to do—wait out here or go inside out of sight?” the older warrior asked.

  Hugo looked from the temple to the general just as the iron gate gave a high pitched squeak. Both fae whipped their heads towards it. Immediately they all shrank back. Diamond held her breath, hoping it was only Jack. Her fingers clutched Hugo’s tunic. A moment later she gave a nervous giggle. General Edo swore, then huffed a chuckle too.

  “It’s alright. I don’t think he’s come to get us,” he muttered as a smallish black mongrel dog slunk nervously along the path. It hesitated at the sound of the general’s voice, then bolted.

  “Probably not,” agreed Hugo, but he watched the animal leave through narrowed eyes. “But the Queen has all manner of spies working for her, and not all of them are human or fae,” he muttered.

  “We’d better get out of sight then,” responded the general. “The goddess only knows who might have seen us land. These temples are always unlocked, so we need to make sure no one else has sought shelter here after what’s gone on today.”

  He looked at Hugo and tipped his head towards the door. Hugo nodded, then focused all his attention on Diamond and ignored the general completely. She swallowed and tried to look calm, even though she felt anything but. Smiling a little he tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear.

  “Stay close,” he whispered, pulling something from his weapons belt to hold it out. “Here. I rescued this from the forest.”

  Diamond curled her fingers around the hilt of the dagger and looked at it in wonder. “I thought it was lost,” she breathed, gripping it tightly.

  Hugo cocked his head, a smile curving his lips at her expression. “No. Not completely lost—just astray. Now it’s back where it should be—by your side.” His voice was soft, the silver in his eyes glinting like stars in a midnight sky.

  Her heart thumped. Does he only mean the blade? she wondered. When he gently brushed the back of his fingers down her cheek and kissed the tip of her nose, she had her answer.

  “It’s yours—don’t you want it back?” she asked, stroking the cool metal with careful fingers. It belonged to him. Although it was much more than just a blade to her. It had kept her sane through her fear and loneliness in the forest. Every glance of that Silverbore blade had given her hope that Hugo would come for her, that she could be strong like him and survive.

  “No, Diamond. It belongs to you—completely. By your side is where it should stay—always.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered and blinked away her tears. It was only a stupid knife.

  Chapter 44

  They crouched down behind the once-alabaster wall. Green mould stained the ancient stone, and fusty damp tickled Diamond’s nose. The dagger shook as she gripped it, ready to fight.

  “You go first,” whispered General Edo to Hugo.

  Hugo adjusted himself to go and then hesitated. “No,” he grated, frowning at the general. “You go. I’ll watch our backs,” he instructed curtly.

  General Edo contemplated Hugo with hard grey eyes then nodded. Diamond released a breath. Now was not the time for a power struggle between these two dominant fae.

  “Fine, commander. But be vigilant. Jack said he would be here, but—as you said—there are many spies in this city.”

  Fleetingly Diamond saw irritation in Hugo’s eyes. Then his sapphire gaze rested on her, and softened in a way that made her legs weak.

  “Stay close to me,” he rumbled as General Edo bolted for the door. “I’m still not sure about this.”

  Sick with nerves, Diamond nodded. General Edo disappeared through the thick, white oak doors. Minutes passed. Diamond nervously flicked her gaze from the door to Hugo, her mouth so dry she could hardly swallow. Hugo vigilantly monitored the grounds around them, his attention flitting to the skies above too. The wind began to gust noisily around the outside of the temple grounds, bizarrely not touching the trees in the grounds. Diamond glanced up at the grey clouds forming overhead.

  Minutes later the general cracked open the door again. He beckoned the two crouching figures urgently, his face tight. Hugo glanced around the temple grounds one last time then uttered, “Run!”

  Diamond didn’t need to be told twice. Head down, dagger clutched in her hand, she sprinted. Wings un-armoured and flat to his back, Hugo followed close on her heels.

  Inside the temple was cold and held a curious atmosphere only an ancient place of worship can transmit. The door swung shut, which plunged them into darkness. Dirty stained glass windows, high in the domed roof, provided the only light.

  Diamond’s heart raced, her breathing loud in her ears. “Hugo?” she whispered fearfully,

  “I’m here,” he answered, his magic touching her, reassuring her.

  General Edo swore and huffed, trying to turn the large door lock. The ancient metal grated, the big iron key protesting. He hissed, the iron burning his un-gloved fingers. Ancient and stiff, the lock did not want to turn.

  “Here,” said Hugo, “I’ll do it.”

  He wrapped his hand in his tunic so the metal would not burn him. General Edo nodded and stood back, blowing on his burned fingers. His boots echoed as he took Hugo’s place by Diamond’s side. The moment Hugo had his back to them and leaned down to grasp the key, the shadows exploded into movement.

  Queen’s guards appeared out of shimmering air, so close Diamond could see their gleaming eyes. The general only had time to grunt before a sword hilt slammed into his temple. Cruel fingers instantly grabbed her wrist, wrenching it so hard her fingers loosened. Diamond shrieked in pain, her dagger clattering to the floor. Hugo did not stand a chance. Three figures materialised next to him, moving like lightening. One looped an iron cord around his neck and yanked it tight.

  “Hugo!” Diamond squealed in terror. The roar in Hugo’s throat was cut off, reduced to a strangled choking noise.

  Two guards dragged Hugo backwards by his arms, kicking at his knees. He tried to fight—but with his magic suppressed by the iron, he could only partially armour his wings. The guards slammed several kicks into his belly. With bunched muscles, Hugo flung one guard away and managed to reach over his back for a sword.

  “Tighten that collar! Now!” bellowed someone.

  Hugo turned purple as he fought the iron cord squeezing around his neck. The nearest guard grunted as Hugo’s blade sunk deep enough through his arm to grind against bone. The collar was yanked, and Hugo had no choice; he collapsed panting and choking to the floor. Diamond screamed in terror and confusion.

  “Enough! Comma
nder Casimir, keep still and you will live. Fight and injure any more of your brothers and I will tighten that iron noose around your neck until it burns clean through,” Lord Commander Ream informed Hugo ruthlessly. “My Queen wants you returning to her side. But know this. I will kill you—slowly—if you so much as twitch in the wrong way.” He stood over Hugo’s kneeling figure, a merciless shadow. “My Queen’s offer. If you return promptly to her side, deliver your prisoner and continue your devoted servitude to her, you will be forgiven for your incompetence—for losing,” he snorted, “the magic wielder. Personally I’d wipe your traitorous hide from this earth, but I must defer to my Queen’s wishes.”

  Diamond knew if they took her back, her life would be forfeit. The Queen would kill her—and maybe even Hugo. Her breathing hitched, her heart banging against her chest. No. I will not go back! She bucked and struggled to be free. The faceless guard clamped his arms around her like a vice, pulling her to his chest. A guttural warning rumbled from Hugo, but he did not fight.

  “Quiet!” ordered the scarred Lord Commander Ream. His granite hewn features came into focus as he strode to within an arm’s length, contemplated her with utter revulsion, then viciously backhanded Diamond’s cheek. The blow sent her reeling, and blood exploded into her mouth. He bent down and retrieved her dagger from the floor, glancing over at Hugo in disgust as he recognised it.

  “Cease your wailing, you mongrel bitch, or I will cut out your tongue,” he barked cruelly. “I doubt the Queen will mind.”

  Terrified, Diamond immediately looked to Hugo. Nothing but scorching hate burned in those silver eyes. He shook his head. This was no empty threat. Diamond stilled, allowing herself to be captured like the meek little mouse she had become, the bitter taste of defeat and fear coating her tongue. Ream prowled closer, contemplating Hugo’s dagger. Shaking uncontrollably, her bladder threatened to void. Ream raised his left hand and Diamond flinched. But all he did was run a finger gently down her cheek.