Erzion called, “Be careful, son. I will come for you—if you need me.”
Elexon turned to his father.
Diamond’s heart clenched at the love, respect and worry conveyed in that one look. Wherever Elexon was going was clearly dangerous.
“I’ll see you all tomorrow,” was his only reply as he left.
Erzion dropped his gaze to them. “We have much to discuss, majesties, and I am sure you both have many questions, which I will do my best to answer. Please,” he gestured to some chairs near a desk, “take a seat.” Once his guests were seated, Erzion smiled at them both and shook his head; his red hair shimmered in the light, and his deep russet eyes glowing softly.
He truly is an amazing-looking male, Diamond reflected, sad that he had been forced to hide who he was for so long.
“It’s incredible that you are both here in Catava.” His voice was thick. He swallowed, holding in deep emotion, his fingernails turning white as he gripped the edge of the desk.
Hugo kept his face cold and unfeeling but Diamond felt tears prick her eyes. Erzion had held true to a pledge he had made nearly a millennia ago. It was an astonishing feat, one only someone with unending strength and determination could do. She swallowed the tightness in her throat.
Erzion's voice steadied. “I have waited so long for you. I never imagined there would be two heirs, together. What Elexon told you is true. This city—its army, its people—are yours, Diamond. It seems you are Lunaria’s and Noan’s granddaughter.”
“I am. But what happened to my mother? My father only said she died when I was born. How did he meet her? And where was she for almost a millennia before she had me?”
Erzion contemplated her, regret shadowing his face. “I’m afraid I don’t have all the answers you seek. The last information I had stated that Tanelle was under a sleeping curse. She fell into that sleep when she tried to use your grandmother’s spear. I was there…” For a moment his eyes became clouded as if he were trying to remember.
Hugo shuffled as he suppressed his need to prompt. Gently, Diamond touched Erzion’s hand with her magic. Such ancient memories must be hard to recall.
Erzion smiled a little. “I have not forgotten,” he said in understanding. “Those events are as clear to me as yesterday, it’s just that I do not allow myself to think of that time often. It is too painful to remember my friends and not still miss them,” he said quietly. But then he continued, his voice becoming stronger. “About sixteen years after Griana usurped this kingdom there was a death match between two wizard princes. It was to determine who was to rule the Southern Hotlands. It seemed Kalib, the younger wizard, knew that Tanelle and his brother, the heir to the Southern Hotlands, were in love. He challenged the heir to a death match to lure Tanelle away from the safety of the palace Lexon and Alethia had built in their new kingdom. Kalib schemed with Griana, who still wanted to kill Tanelle even though the Queen believed Tanelle mortal.”
“Mortal?”
“Yes,” Erzion replied, propping his elbows on the desk, interlocking his fingers and resting his chin upon them. “Immortality is not always passed down from parent to child. We all assumed Tanelle would be mortal and would die of old age. Maybe if she hadn’t been cursed, she would have. I know she had no magic.”
Diamond and Hugo exchanged an incredulous glance.
“No magic? But how come I have so much then?” asked Diamond, thoroughly confused.
Erzion smiled ruefully. “No, your mother had no magic when I last saw her. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t manifest later. She was young, younger even than you are now.”
“What happened?” Hugo asked, his voice quiet.
“Griana sent an Ice Mage to kill Tanelle. I was spying on Griana, as I often had done over the years, when she ordered her Lord Commander to escort the assassin to Ion Kugat for the death match. They worked together with Kalib to try and kill Tanelle and the heir.” He shuddered. “Her scream when her love died is something I will never forget.”
Diamond’s fingers gripped the smooth leather of the arm chair. “She loved him,” she stated, wondering if her father had ever known of her mother’s first love, wondered if he had even known who she truly was. A frown furrowed her brow. He hid me, or tried to, for years. Of course he knew. Questions, not to mention a festering anger at her father’s omissions, buzzed around her mind. She couldn’t call him a liar because Arades had never lied, but he had always refused to discuss her mother. She forced away those thoughts. They were useless and unhelpful right now. It seemed neither she nor Hugo would ever get all the answers to questions of their pasts.
“Yes, she did. I fought for them both. Or at least I tried.” For a moment he looked crestfallen. “But it wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough. I could not save either of them. Tanelle picked up your mother’s spear and, even though Alethia had warned the princess against it, she used it to try to kill the Ice Mage.” He fell silent, his eyes drifting to the old scuffed leather of the desktop.
“Did she kill it?” prompted Diamond.
Erzion smiled sadly. “Even with the help of my wizardry, the spear was not enough. It was Alethia who killed the beast. She was in her guardian form.” He looked to Hugo, who steadily, if a little less coldly, held his gaze. “She burned its body until nothing but ash remained.”
“What happened to my mother?” whispered Diamond.
“Alethia remained a dragon and became our means of escape back to the Fire Mountains. I was badly injured and was out of it for the most part. We all returned to the obsidian palace. It wasn’t until I recovered that I got to see her again. It seemed Tanelle had fallen into some sort of enchanted slumber. She was my true queen and I failed her. Tanelle’s demise nearly destroyed Lexon. He saw her as his daughter. He had raised her and protected her since she was a baby.”
“What about the wizards? Did this start a war?” asked Hugo.
Erzion’s bitter laugh was not lost on Diamond. “No. Lexon and Alethia made sure any threats were soon destroyed. Not only were they far more powerful than Kalib, they had a faithful army of fae warriors who had followed them from Avalonia years before. He had to spend years sorting out his own house, winning his generals over and quelling uprisings from the people he would rule. Lexon’s descendants have always kept a close eye on their borders with the Sky Desert. Kalib’s father unknowingly passed down his immortality to the power-hungry little shit, so he still rules; however, while his kingdom is prosperous, it is not kind to the weak or the poor, and slavery is rife out there.”
Diamond knew about the oppressive culture of the Southern Hotlands. She and Hugo had read much about it when they had been planning their escape from the Queen. But right now, she was not interested in the wizards. “What happened to my mother?”
“After we returned to the palace, Lexon and Alethia safeguarded her in a special cave deep in the Fire Mountain. Once I recovered, I was taken to see her. Since then, only their bloodline have ever been granted access to that cave. That’s why I have not been able to find out what happened to her. I don’t know how or when she awoke, or even how she came to meet your father; all I can say is I am pleased she did. After all, her awakening brought you to the world.” He leaned back, the soft silk of his tunic rustling as he crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Over the years, I have saved as many magic-wielders as I could. It hasn’t mattered to me what their origins are; if they are likely to be persecuted by Griana, I have offered them sanctuary. I have built this city and a powerful army of red-winged fae because of a pledge I made to the goddess when Valentia fell. There have been times in my life I have wanted to ignore that pledge and kill Griana myself, but I was told by the High Ruler of the Guardians to stay strong, to serve her and protect the throne for its rightful heir.” He looked intently into Diamond’s eyes before bowing his head to both her and Hugo. “All of it has been for you. I have always believed it would only be one descendant who returned to claim this throne. But to have both of you...” his voice
petered out.
“But how? How do you know we are the right ones? It’s been nearly a thousand years since my grandmother asked for your pledge. Maybe you are wrong; maybe it is just coincidence…” Diamond knew she was rambling. The enormity of Erzion’s words and the responsibility settling upon her shoulders was suffocating.
“You are my rightful queen, Diamond. I feel it. In here,” Erzion replied tapping over his heart. Then he looked directly at Hugo and smiled. “Like I said, when I first saw you in that training ground, I knew whose descendant you were. You look so like Lexon, it nearly ripped my heart out. You almost had me in tears, do you know that?” he asked Hugo, his eyes twinkling.
Hugo snorted gently, almost smiling back. “I’ve always thought it me who nearly pissed my breeches that day. I was only eight years old and you shoved a knife against my neck,” he pointed out dryly.
Erzion chuckled. “Yes, I did. But I wanted you to know you were special. Not just some magic-wielder to be ridiculed or abused because you were different. It made me sick to leave you at the mercy of Griana and her guards all those years, but I could not risk taking you away and having her hunt you down. Even the glamour and spells I use on this city may not have been enough. Not when she already had your blood and could track you.”
Hugo’s face became dark again. “So you left me to suffer years of abuse and cruelty to protect this city?”
There was a pause. In Erzion’s eyes, guilt warred with pride. His jaw muscles popped as he clenched his teeth. “Yes. I knew she would not kill you. I felt you would be safe from whatever she may be planning until your magic became fully mature. I had intended to get you out of her clutches as soon as you returned with Prince Jack from the forest in the autumn. That was until I saw you return with a young woman who was the reincarnation of the goddess,” he said.
He stood and walked around the desk to perch on the front. “I realise all this comes as a shock to you both, but everything, every fateful move your ancestors took, has led to this point. Not only are you here and together, you have a Nexus. That magical bond between you is rare; it has to be a sign from the goddess,” he looked at Hugo. “Maybe even from the guardians themselves. Together you are powerful enough to retake this throne, the throne that belongs to your family.”
Erzion paused and contemplated Hugo. In the silence Diamond could hear Ophelia’s voice far away in the house. The smell of roast meat drifted in, making her mouth water and her stomach growl. Hugo must be starving, she thought. He was far bigger than her, and neither of them had eaten properly for days. Hugo must be feeling the effects of his injuries and my healing.
Tension permeated the air between the two males. It looked as though Erzion wanted to say more but was biting back his words.
“What is it?” growled Hugo, clearly seeing the same thing. “You may as well spit it out.”
Erzion nodded but was still reluctant. “You are a guardian and, as a descendant of Lexon’s bloodline, you will always be compelled to protect Diamond.” He took a deep breath. “But you are also her biggest threat, and the one person who can cause the ruin of not just our kingdom, but our world, maybe even that of Eternity.”
Hugo inhaled, his growl both vicious and defensive. “Seriously? You believe I would ever harm so much as a hair on her head?” he snarled. His guardian pushed against his self-control. And this time began to win. Before their very eyes Hugo’s body began to grow, ridges of bone pushing through the skin of his brow, scales beginning to cover his cheekbones and his eyes burning with silver flame.
Erzion paled but did not back away or look down. Red magic gathered around him, filling the room with heat.
Hugo merely smiled, showing elongated teeth and sucked that red magic inside himself.
Erzion cursed, watching wide-eyed as Hugo’s height increased further.
Hugo did not seemed to notice or care that his head now brushed the roof of the Lord of Catava’s office.
Erzion began to chant quietly, his eyes not moving from Hugo.
Oh gods, this is not helpful—or necessary. Diamond blew air out through her nostrils. She would not allow these two powerful males to come to blows over such a statement. Besides, clearly someone else believed Hugo a threat. An assassin had tried to kill him. At the very least they needed an explanation about Erzion’s words. He was immortal. His actions and words were always measured. That statement was not merely to insult Hugo.
Truth. That is what she wanted now. She had been lied to all her life. No more.
“Both of you, enough!” she barked, her voice strong and commanding. “Hugo, I understand your anger, but I know you will not hurt me and perhaps we should give Erzion time to explain his words. And Erzion, I want the truth; if you truly believe Hugo to be your prince, then he deserves the truth too,” she finished. Her words were calm and reasonable, though she pushed enough magic into the air it smothered both of theirs. A warning to them both. No matter their magic or physical presence, she was the strongest in this room.
Hugo cocked his head, unable to hide his surprise at her control of them both.
“Do not forget whose blood runs in my veins, my love,” she advised lightly.
As she looked to Erzion, Hugo reverted back to his normal size and seemed almost defeated as he contemplated the male he had looked up to all his life. “Diamond may be your new queen, if she wishes to become such a thing,” he growled. “But she is the only person in this world that I love, and I will never hurt her. I am sorry you think I am here to destroy her or you. I know what I am, who I have served all these years. Though it seems even you are not blameless in how my life has turned out. But I would have thought, after everything that has happened, you would trust me.” His voice was shaking, but it wasn’t with rage.
Diamond felt the disappointment and hurt that this powerful warrior had just inflicted on Hugo.
Erzion sighed and rubbed his face. “No, prince, you misunderstand. I apologise if it sounds like I don’t trust you. I do. Gods, this is hard to explain. I don’t think you would harm any of us, not on purpose, but you are different. You’re magic makes you more of a threat than you realise. Look,” he sighed, seeing the hurt deepen on Hugo’s face. “I can explain, and I will, but you are still recovering from your injuries. You need to eat and rest.”
“I am already recovered,” stated Hugo coldly. “And I want to know what the hell is going on. Tell me.”
Erzion took a breath, his eyes flashing red at Hugo’s tone, the pure demand in it.
Diamond held her breath. Erzion had ruled this city and commanded the Queen’s army for nearly a millennia. He was not used to ceding control, not to anyone, not even a guardian. His nostrils flared a little but his voice was only a little tight as he answered, “Of course, my prince. First, Ophelia will be angry with all of us if we miss dinner—and I have a guest who wishes to meet you both.” His eyes drifted over his shoulder to a closed wooden door.
Diamond didn’t miss the indecision on Erzion’s face or the rise and fall of his chest as he blew out a steadying breath. He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, giving a nod of his head.
He has made his decision then, Diamond thought, though she couldn’t help but wonder who was behind that door. She gathered her magic, keeping it contained in an attempt to stop it from touching Hugo’s and riling him further. His irritation at Erzion’s delay was palpable.
“I have known him all my life, and I trust him implicitly.” Erzion’s red eyes penetrated Hugo’s, a warning to Hugo of this friend. “He has recently told me he knows what happened to your mother the day you were kidnapped. He has promised to tell us everything.” Erzion’s gaze pierced Hugo's. “But only if he is permitted to meet you face to face.”
“Why?” Hugo asked curtly, his fists curling at his sides.
“I don’t know. He said he would explain his reasons only to you.” A slight frown furrowed the Red Wizard’s brow, then he shook his head. “I think we should find out?” It was a statement
phrased as a question, one asking for permission, but he sounded confused.
Hugo gave a curt nod.
Erzion’s hand was on the door by the time Diamond barked, “Wait!”
Erzion immediately complied, his brows raised in question.
“Is this friend a danger to Hugo?” she asked, her voice cold, which was completely at odds with the heat and light wrapped around her arms.
“No, my queen, he is not,” Erzion answered, his voice measured. “Please hear him out.”
Diamond glanced at Hugo. Shadows danced across his face and swirled gently from his fingers, making him appear angry, but Diamond could see the cold alertness in those eyes. He wasn’t angry but in warrior mode, ready for whatever came through that door. He was ready to kill, which was far worse.
Erzion pulled the door open and stood to one side.
“Hello, my young friend,” greeted Lord Firan. A smile graced the handsome and startlingly blue face of the ruler of the Wetlands as he stepped in the room, his blue robes glistening like flowing water.
Diamond did not even have time to blink before Hugo moved.
Chapter 4
Jack sighed and stared at the young woman sitting in front of him. Her dark brown eyes flashed with frustration and anger. He smirked when she tried again to break the bonds that secured her to the chair.
“I thought you might have learned, Syhira,” he said, leaning forward slightly to look around her back, “that you cannot break those bonds. They’re vines tied with green fae magic. You may as well sit quietly and answer my questions.”
He grinned as the foulest of curses fell from the assassin’s mouth. “Settle down,” he advised. “Now, tell me why you tried to kill Commander Casimir?”
This time she had more sense than to deny it. As a rule, Jack did not hold with physically harming his prisoners, but he would happily use magic to persuade them to answer his questions.
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