“Elexon,” she said gently, coming to stand next to Hugo.
Hugo swallowed his growl. She smiled and touched his fingers with her own, soothing him. Crossing his arms over his chest seemed a good way to stop from grabbing her and pulling her away.
“You need not kneel to me,” she said, urging Elexon to stand.
“But I cannot greet you as I would a friend,” responded Elexon, standing once again.
Diamond hid her hurt at that comment, but Hugo felt it. He wanted to reach for her but stopped himself.
“Perhaps a greeting of respect, rather than subservience then?” she suggested gently.
Elexon nodded. “As you wish, my queen,” he said.
“You too,” Diamond spoke firmly to the other guard, who stood but kept his gaze and face averted.
Elexon placed his fist over his chest in acknowledgement and bowed his head.
“Good. What did Jack want?” asked Diamond eagerly. Her grip loosened, and the sheet slipped slightly in her eagerness to find out about her friend, exposing more of her creamy skin.
Hugo inhaled sharply and a waft of summer flowers hit him. Gut tightening, he deliberately forestalled Elexon’s answer. “My queen, whatever Jack wants, I’m sure it can wait until you are dressed,” he pointed out darkly. There was no way she was standing here talking to another male dressed only in a sheet, which, by the flush creeping up the back of the guard’s neck and Elexon’s uncomfortable posture, showed both knew she was naked underneath it.
Elexon visibly relaxed. “It will wait,” he affirmed, eyes still averted.
“Good. Then we will join you in a few moments. Shall we?” Hugo said, indicating Diamond should retreat back into the room. She did as he asked, and he tried not to smirk at the relief on Elexon’s face.
As soon as the door snapped shut, he grabbed her and kissed her. Hard. She responded just as fervently, dragging a groan from deep inside his chest.
“Hugo, we can’t,” she breathed against his lips. “We have other responsibilities now.”
Hugo cupped her face, planting small kisses on her lips. “Are you ordering me to stop, my queen?” he asked, his voice husky.
Her chuckle made his body thrum. “I think we both know I cannot order you to do anything—not really. But I am asking you to consider how much damage Griana might be doing to our people whilst we indulge our wants here. We need to go and see Erzion—and Jack. We have a throne to retake.”
Hugo sighed, leaning his forehead against hers. “When did you become so sensible?”
She kissed him lightly, then placed a finger upon his lips. “Since I realised I do not want people hurt because of my inability to act or because of the actions I did take,” she responded, but her face fell as it dawned on her that no matter what she did as a queen, the decisions she made would always affect other people—and not necessarily in a good way.
Hugo pushed reassurances through their bond.
She smiled gratefully but pulled away. “And much as I would love to repeat what we did last night, I know the longer we are in here, the more likely it is that Griana will retaliate. So I think we should tell Erzion we will be ready to discuss strategies as soon as we have seen Jack. Jack needs to know what’s going on.”
“All right,” Hugo agreed, then grinned.
Before she could react, he hooked the sheet with his forefinger and pulled. She squealed as the swathes of cotton fell away. He raked his gaze over her, hunger and magic permeating the air. He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked. Her throat bobbed.
“You’d best hurry and bathe then,” he advised in a thick voice.
Magic danced and the torches flared brightly, their light bathing her skin. Jagged scars covered her abdomen and chest, but the only ones Hugo saw were the ones he had given her. The bite mark on her breast and the newer scar on the right side of her neck. His need flared, looking at that scar.
Mine.
His vision changed, and he knew his guardian was near the surface, eager for him to take her again.
Diamond backed away. “Hugo,” she warned softly. “I-I’m going for a bath,” she said, trying to sound strong but her voice trembled.
Hugo gulped and blew out a breath, building up the wall in his mind so she could not hear his lustful thoughts. “I’ll wait outside,” he grated through clenched teeth. Leaving her was the last thing he wanted to do, but if he stayed in this room, they wouldn’t be leaving it any time soon.
Diamond quickly turned and headed into the bathing chamber.
To distract himself, Hugo pulled a clean shirt off the pile that had been left in the room for him and placed it on the bed, then picked up Diamond’s discarded leggings. They were soiled, as were her boots. He sighed, shook them out and placed them next to his shirt. Hardly fitting attire for a queen, he thought dismally. Frowning, he prowled to the door. He would speak to Elexon about more clothes for Diamond.
Perhaps they could somehow get to the money Hugo had stashed in Gorian’s house in the city. It was money Hugo had saved from the paltry wages Griana gave her guards. Elite guards did not get paid as such. It was understood their education, clothes, food, weapons and living costs were provided for their whole lives. He had never touched that money. It had always seemed dirty to him, as if he were being paid for all the lives he had eliminated under her orders. Except, that wasn’t strictly true. He had used it once.
How he wished he could arrange the same material comforts for Diamond as he had done the last time she had been without any belongings of her own. A smile curved his lips. He wondered what had happened to that beautiful gown and the stunning amethyst hair comb that had set her eyes sparkling like jewels.
The sound of water sloshing reached him. Diamond was getting out of the spring. He took a deep breath and reached for his warrior side, thrusting his fae side away. Later, he growled at his guardian and stepped outside the door to wait for her.
Chapter 13
Diamond shivered. Fierce, snow-laced wind battered her, stinging her cheeks.
Hugo and Elexon scanned the terrain below. Even covered in snow, the devastation was obvious. The huge marble wall and large tower was difficult to see through the swirling feather-light flakes. But the pyres that burned the dead still glowed, sending a foul stench of burning flesh to coat the mouths and nostrils of anyone nearby.
Diamond closed her eyes, guilt slamming into her. Poor Jack. I should have been here to help him. We both should.
Hugo’s arms tightened, and he let her feel his own guilt, though his words were soothing. I think he will understand neither of us were in a fit state to stay and help. We both nearly died, my love. But we are here now. We will see what we can do to help.
Dark shapes patrolled the battlements and the turrets. Campfires flickered. Horses whinnied. Men shouted. The sounds of war.
Tallo came to hover next to them, his face straining with effort. They were all struggling to fly in the dire weather. Elexon and Attion stayed well back, not wanting to be blown into them.
Tallo had gone to see Jack on Erzion’s request. Diamond didn’t mind the Red Wizard making that command as she wanted to find Jack too.
“I don’t like it. Something feels off,” stated Hugo, a frown creasing his brow.
Tallo and Elexon looked down, narrowing their eyes to see further.
“I can’t feel anything off, prince,” stated Tallo. “And it seemed safe earlier. The Qu—I mean—Griana has pulled at least two legions back to the palace. I think she fears you attacking her there,” he said.
Diamond swallowed her smile. Tallo had insisted on calling Hugo by his title, even though Hugo had threatened the older fae with bodily harm. No matter how strong Hugo believed his mental shield to be, she could still feel his irritation and embarrassment at being addressed as ‘prince’ by his long-time friend and mentor.
I think you make a stunning prince, my love. Especially with this armour hugging these muscles, she told him mischievously though their bo
nd, whilst running her hands over his chest.
He looked down at her. She only smiled innocently, trying not to smirk. Her distraction had worked.
Tallo raised a brow. “Innocence no longer suits you, my queen,” he told her, making her blush. “And perhaps, prince, you are just feeling a little overprotective of your new mate,” he suggested, grinning when Hugo snarled at him.
“Tallo, stop teasing,” Diamond admonished the warrior.
“Sorry, my queen. I can’t resist. He’s so easy to aggravate around you.”
“It’s true,” agreed Attion matter-of-factly whilst contemplating the rapidly darkening scene below. “You always have been, prince. Our queen has always been—and will always be—your greatest weakness.”
“All right, Attion, I get it. I need to be more detached. And don’t you continue with this ‘prince’ shit too,” Hugo grumbled, but met Diamond’s eyes and winked. None of these warriors had any idea how attached the couple truly was. Their magic wrapped tightly around them both, doing its best to warm them.
“How should I address you? I refuse to call you ‘Hugo’, and you are no longer my commander. I could use Shadow Lord, I suppose. Though you are a guardian and a descendant of the Arjuno line, which makes you a prince.” Attion frowned, clearly considering his options.
Hugo raised his brows at Diamond, who just smiled and shrugged.
A moment later Attion spoke. “As you are now mated to my queen, should I address you as my king?” he asked in all seriousness.
Hugo’s face fell into a blank mask, and even Tallo waited for Hugo’s reply.
“Yes.” Diamond forced the words out of her suddenly dry mouth, though why she was nervous she couldn’t say. Hugo was her lover and her mate, they had pledged their souls to each other. No one else would ever carry the title of King of Avalonia. “As he is my mate, you will address Hugo as king, majesty or sire, if you prefer.”
Tallo didn’t laugh this time, neither did the others; they only nodded their heads to both her and Hugo.
Hugo’s eyes flickered, holding hers, respect shining amongst the love and happiness in them. Warm lips kissed her cold forehead. She smiled. It was a curious feeling, knowing he would accept his title if only because it was a declaration of their unity.
“Tallo? Go ahead and check there is nothing amiss down there before I bring Diamond down,” Hugo said, the protective edge in his voice lending it a deep rumble.
Tallo nodded. Taking a circular, route he headed down to the camp on the wall.
Diamond snuggled closer into Hugo’s warmth. Despite everything, she was happier than she could ever remember being. As they waited, she let her thoughts drift to Jack and Tom. She had agreed with Erzion that Jack could be informed of their army, but not the whereabouts or existence of the hidden city. Tilting her head forward, she sheltered against Hugo’s chest. Even his magic couldn’t wholly protect her from the cold. Her feet were like blocks of ice.
Just as she was about to order them out of the sky, Tallo returned.
“Majesty, Prince Oden is on his way back to the tower. He will be here very soon. The tower steward is awaiting our arrival. As far as I can see, all looks as it should. There are none of Griana’s warriors nearby on the wall or in the tower. I checked all the rooms, and they are empty.” He watched the tower below, looking for new arrivals. “It seems Griana is leaving Jack to man the wall now that Ragor is no longer a threat.”
“We need to get down there and warn Jack about what’s really happening,” said Hugo.
Diamond felt her stomach drop. It was going to be hard to convince Jack about their ability to depose the usurper queen without revealing the secret of Catava.
Maybe, my love. But I’m sure we can find a way to persuade him to support us. He owes both of us, you especially, for the protection of his people from the giants and the Wraith Lord. Hugo nodded decisively at Tallo. “Let’s go, then. Elexon? Come with me. Attion? Tallo? When we hit the ground, I want you monitoring the entrances to the tower. I’m still not convinced about this.”
“Yes, majesty,” they replied in unison.
The warmth inside the tower was sublime. Diamond hummed her pleasure, letting the flames of the open fire warm her; her cheeks began to glow and tingle. She inhaled the smell of baking bread that wafted from the kitchen. “Thank you,” she said, taking the cup of warmed wine from the steward.
Hugo coughed, then frowned. He placed his glass down untouched and coughed again. Diamond looked at him, brows raised. She had never heard him cough. She tried to reach for his mind but couldn’t find their connection. Perhaps he was keeping his mental shield up so that he could concentrate better.
Reaching out, Hugo took the cup from her grasp. “Careful, we don’t know who we can trust here,” he warned, his frown deepening.
Diamond snorted. “Jack’s not going to try to poison me, Hugo.”
Hugo raised his brows. “Maybe not, but Jack didn’t pour this wine, did he? And no matter what Tallo says, Griana is still searching for us. Don’t you think it strange that she has pulled her army away from the wall so soon after the battle?”
Diamond felt her stomach tighten. “Yes, I do,” she answered, thinking about the shroud of darkness she had seen hovering between this world and the next only days ago.
“It’s Winter Solstice soon,” Hugo pointed out, scowling down at the cup in her hand. “She will know I haven’t left the valley because she still holds my blood phial. And regardless of everything else, she still wants to break the curse that made her barren. So don’t drink,” he said, moving to peer out of the small window. “Something still feels wrong about this. If Jack isn’t here in a few minutes, we’re leaving,” he stated, looking at Elexon.
The red warrior acknowledged his words with a nod, taking a position at the base of the stairs, though the tower was deserted other than the steward who was banging around in the kitchen.
Diamond wondered where Attion had gone. When they had landed he had just looked at Hugo, nodded and melted into the shadows.
Hugo suddenly stiffened, his wings flew out and were instantly armoured. She met eyes of silver fire, blinking to change her vision. Nothing happened. Stunned she tried again.
Hugo began coughing violently.
“My vision. I can’t change it!” Diamond cried, feeling panic licking at her mind. “I-I can’t find our connection,” she whispered. Emptiness hit her. There was nothing. No trace of her bonds with Hugo.
“Elexon! Get her upstairs. Now!” Hugo ordered, panic in his own eyes.
Shadow and menace seeped into the guardroom, surrounding them in a threatening cloud. Diamond jumped up and pulled her sword. When she reached for her magic, only a small amount responded. The more she reached for it, the more it evaded her, as though someone had locked it away.
She couldn’t breathe. A cough racked her body. Then another.
“Elexon, hide her! Please!” Hugo rasped desperately, as though he were suffocating. His own magic swirled in a weak mist around his body, an echo of its normal strength.
Elexon’s hand shot out and gripped Diamond’s arm, halting her progress to Hugo. His eyes glowed, though they were far duller than normal.
“What’s happening?” gasped Diamond.
Elexon opened his mouth to reply when the turret door slammed open and Tallo bellowed, “Run!” before his voice was cut off. A haze of green and black magic yanked him from the doorway.
Hugo roared and blasted magic toward the elite guards who ran in. One after the other they fell, speared by shadow or burned by the blaze of red magic Elexon threw their way.
Screams resounded in the air, the stench of burned flesh and blood making Diamond gag.
Outside, angry voices yelled. Metal clashed as one distinctly familiar voice bellowed furiously, “Stand down! Do not enter this turret again! It will be an act of war against Prince Oden!”
Roin!
“This is my kingdom! Do not presume to tell me what to do!” rag
ed Griana, “I will have my commander back. Tonight! Or I will kill every single one of you,” Griana replied. Her furious tone left no doubt she would follow through on that threat.
Elexon turned his now dull eyes to Diamond.
Winter Solstice. Hugo had been right. Griana still believed he would break her curse.
Hugo eyed the doorway, sweat shining on his brow. He pulled his swords, a look of utter determination upon his face.
Elexon met Hugo’s dark gaze. Understanding passed between them. Without ceremony, Elexon grabbed Diamond’s hand and jerked her toward the stairs.
“No!” she hissed, yanking against his grip.
He did not let go.
Hugo covered the space between them and quickly stifled her sounds of refusal with his hand. “Shh. Go with him, my love. I will lead Griana away. Whatever happens, you stay hidden. Do not try and help me,” he ordered, coughing hard.
Diamond’s head swam, and she fought a wave of nausea at his words. She dipped her head in a quick nod as his hand dropped from her face, though there was nothing she could do to stop her lips from trembling.
His mouth was warm and gentle as he kissed her. That one touch of his lips said everything.
Goodbye.
Tears burned her eyes, panic squeezing her heart.
“Go,” he ordered, his own eyes shining wetly before he turned to the door.
Chapter 14
Controlling his breathing and panic, Hugo lifted his head and squared his shoulders. His footsteps echoed hollowly with each stride towards pain or death.
Roin’s voice rumbled ominously. “I apologise, Queen. But my prince has ordered me to stop anyone entering this tower. I cannot let you pass.”
Hugo felt his guardian straining to break through the barrier to his magic. Like thick dark oil, it slithered over his power, suffocating it. Fear pricked his heart, unable to comprehend the force that could contain a guardian.
His heart hammered with dread, the soles of his boots squelching in sticky blood as he stepped over fallen guards and into the snow-laced air. If he did not stop this, his friends and Jack’s men would be slaughtered.
The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet Page 80
