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

by Karen Tomlinson

  Jack caught Lyana staring at him. Resolute, he pulled himself up to his full height. He needed to fight the darkness and change who he was instead of believing himself beaten and incompetent. He needed to help his friends. What he had done to Hugo was unforgivable and had likely brought about the demise of their whole world, but there was still a chance to redeem himself. If Diamond truly was the queen Avalonia, if she could end Erebos, he would do everything in his power to make that happen.

  “So, General Gillon, do you suggest heading south to the Hotlands and the wizards first, or the Fire Mountains and the fae?”

  Arades tipped his head. Mild amusement glinted in his eyes. “No, my prince, you can decide. Tell me what you think we should do, then invite me to give you my thoughts. Perhaps even invite your other senior soldiers to contribute to our discussion.”

  Jack inhaled sharply. The thought of making another error in judgment did not sit well with him.

  Arades’ face softened. “Jack, your past decisions are just that: past. And many were made under emotional distress. We all make mistakes and do things that perhaps we shouldn’t. But you don’t have to make decisions alone right now. I am here—and so are your guard. Trust them, Jack. From what I have seen, they are loyal and true.”

  Jack looked over at his men. Overwhelming gratitude suddenly filled him. They watched with interest whilst Reese and his squad stood guard around the ship’s deck, surveying the skies for their enemy.

  Jack smiled a little, though his confidence still wavered. Travelling to Houria to warn the king hadn’t changed a thing for the Hourian people. His attention rested on Lyana. She met his gaze and gave him a gentle smile. His stomach did a strange flip. His efforts had been worth it though. The thought of Lyana being ripped apart by those monsters made him shudder.

  A sudden sense of purpose invaded him. He needed to redeem himself, and he needed to get his home back—not just for himself but for all his people. The people Erzion had managed to save deserved a place of safety when this war ended.

  Jack squared his shoulders. “I think we should head for the Southern Hotlands. Diamond needs allies. She will go there first and then cross to the Fire Mountains.”

  Arades regarded him steadily. “Why will she? Gar Anon’s shores are closer to Valentia. And what about the Ice Lands? Perhaps she chose to go there.”

  “No, slavery is too rife in Gar Anon for her to cross safely. I can’t imagine her wanting to risk it. And the Ice Witches are notoriously insular. They’re just as likely to join with Erebos as fight him.”

  “Hmm,” mused Arades. “I agree. But much will have depended on who helped her escape and how. Plus, if she knows of the pledge Lexon took, Diamond will head to Queen Ilya.”

  Jack sighed. “I know, but the Hotlands seem a good place for her to start. Diamond has to reach the Fire Mountains somehow. The king of Gar Anon thrives on power, and his people are divided in their loyalties to him. He is best avoided until we have a show of strength; she will know that, though perhaps we have been too long coming to Houria before following Diamond,” he mused.

  Arades slapped Jack’s shoulder. “Roin!” He beckoned the captain over. “Come over here—you too, Tom!” he ordered.

  Jack raised his brows in question.

  Arades grinned. “You must have noticed Tom’s leadership skills, highness?

  Jack smiled in response. “Yes, I have.”

  “Good. Well, let’s turn him into one of your best officers.”

  The two men approached.

  Arades whispered from the side of his mouth, “You know, I once used to tease Tom about being so skinny a stiff wind would blow him over. Now I am made to eat my words,” he chuckled.

  It did not escape Jack’s notice that Zane moved closer to Tom.

  Arades gave him a long hard stare, which Zane returned belligerently.

  Tom rolled his eyes. “Zane! Stop with the attitude. You know the rules about behaviour. The general has known me since I was a child; he isn’t going to try and hurt me. Besides, he’d kick your arrogant arse overboard if you fought him.”

  Arades laughed out loud at that. “Yes, I have; and yes, I would,” he responded, still looking at Zane, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. “Relax, warrior. I will not hurt your mate,” he reassured Zane.

  Zane grinned with a promise of violence if Arades was lying, but nodded his head in respect. He remained nearby, though.

  Tom rolled his eyes again.

  Roin smacked his shoulder amicably. “Ah, leave him. He’s only doing what fae do.”

  “It’s fine, Tom,” Arades chuckled. “Good to see you’ve found yourself such a mate. You mother will be pleased.” He grinned.

  Tom blushed a little.

  Arades turned to Jack. “Our prince has a plan,” Arades informed them. “But he would like your opinion on it before he decides on a definite course of action.”

  Jack stopped his mouth from dropping open. Now he had no choice but to discuss his decision with Roin and Tom, who had both disagreed with handing Diamond back over to Griana.

  He swallowed hard before giving himself a mental slap. He had run a successful campaign against Ragor. True, it had been with Erzion’s help but Jack had still led it.

  Arades scrutinised his face, his gaze far too knowing.

  Jack doubted General Gillon missed anything. Arades towered over Jack but Jack did not feel lesser because of it; instead, he felt supported and empowered to make plans, to make decisions—but most of all, to lead. For the first time in months, Jack felt hope and purpose bloom in his heart.

  So whilst the Hourian captain guided them onward, Prince Jack Oden explained his plans to find Diamond and retake his kingdom.

  Chapter 28

  Diamond rolled onto her side and bent her knees to her chest. Concentrating on her breathing was the only way to get through this. She knew because it had been happening for hours. Saliva rushed into her mouth. Groaning, she hung her head off the bunk and retched into the bucket.

  Gods, I hate this bucket, she thought as the stench of old vomit and sea water wafted up her nose. She retched again, then groaned. Her ribs ached.

  A pair of gentle hands pulled her messy hair back out of the way.

  “That’s it. You’re going to be fine. Don’t worry,” said Attion, his voice full of compassion.

  Diamond nodded, still staring into the bucket as tears burned her eyes. Taking deep breaths, she swallowed and swallowed, tired of retching, of the pain racking her body. Most of all though, she hated the sadness that had latched onto her soul. Every time she tried to sleep, all she could see were Hugo’s sapphire and silver eyes, full of sorrow.

  Diamond rolled into a ball, keeping her eyes tightly shut. Or was that just her own guilt at admitting to herself that she and Hugo had been so wrapped up in themselves they had not considered birth control? That it was her fault for losing their child—the one piece of him she could have loved and held?

  “Diamond?” Attion said firmly. A cool, damp cloth was placed against her hot skin. “You need to drink and to eat. Then we must discuss our plans. Prince Rayan is heading back to the shores of the Southern Hotlands. He is willing to escort us to his father’s palace in Ion Kugat. He thinks his father will listen to you—maybe even become your ally once Rayan tells him of the monsters you have seen. But he wishes to discuss it with you—not me.”

  Diamond couldn’t speak, just nod. She didn’t want to talk to Prince Rayan—or the High Wizard. She just wanted to be left alone to wallow in her own desolation and self-pity—at least for a while.

  Attion sighed. “All right, I will leave you to rest, but not until you drink this tincture.”

  “What is it?” croaked Diamond without opening her eyes.

  Attion huffed a chuckle.

  Diamond opened her eyes at the sound.

  Attion was kneeling in front of her. In his hands was a small brown bottle. He pulled the stopper out. “Otekah gave it me.”

  Diamon
d wrinkled her nose at the familiar, disgusting odour. “Oh,” she groaned and rolled her eyes. Struggling up, she leaned her back against the head of the bunk.

  Attion smiled. “I take it you’ve had this before then?”

  “Yeah, when you and that other idiot guard broke my ribs,” she grumbled and glared at the bottle.

  Attion paled. “I am not that person anymore,” he whispered. “I-I’m so sorry f-for what I did then.” His hand shook a little and he lowered it to rest on his thigh, still clutching the bottle. His eyes fell.

  Diamond immediately reached for his arm. “Attion, I’m sorry. That isn’t what I meant. I’m not trying to blame you,” she sighed and banged her head against the headboard before lifting it to look at him again. “I don’t blame you for what you were under her rule, Attion. You are my friend, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

  A flush crept into his cheeks, his eyes brighter when he lifted his head. “Friend, hmm?”

  Now it was Diamond’s turn to smile. “Yes, friend. Though, you are obviously my guard, too, and have to do what I say—most of the time.” She almost laughed at the incredulous—and challenging—look on his face. “But I do consider you my friend—if that’s all right?” she added, wondering now if Attion might be uncomfortable with his queen being his friend.

  “Well then, as my friend, I want you to drink this tasty tipple. It will heal your wounds and help calm the cramps—eventually. What it won’t do is stop your sea sickness—but my magic is telling me I can find a cure for that.”

  “Really?” Diamond asked, happy to see the look of excitement in his eyes.

  “Yes, it seems to point me towards herbs and plants that can help me—or at least it guides my instincts,” he shrugged. “I don’t know what to do with the plants when I get them, not yet, but maybe someone on this ship can help me. Now drink,” he commanded with a look a devilment in his eyes. “Then I’d better go and get you something to stop you chucking it back in that bucket,” he quipped.

  “Wow, you’re such a good friend for making me drink that,” she grimaced after swallowing the vile liquid.

  “I am—and you’re welcome,” he retorted, his eyebrows twitching up as he plucked the bottle from her fingers. “I’ve laced it with a sleeping draught too,” he informed her with a smirk.

  Diamond scowled at him.

  “Don’t worry, my queen. It is strong enough there will be no dreams of the shadow demon tonight. Just sleep. Get stronger. We have a war to plan and battles to fight. Avalonia needs her queen and the Eight Kingdoms needs a goddess to protect it.”

  Six weeks later, Diamond studied Prince Rayan as she made her way to the rugs and cushions placed at the bow of the ship. Rayan was handsome in a rugged way. He was in his late twenties with startling blue eyes and utterly white hair. Not silver like Diamond’s but a bright snowy white, like the Ice Witch, she reflected. Today, it was styled into a simple plait that ran from the back of his head down to his waist and secured with a beaded clasp. His skin was a deep sun-kissed brown, even the bald sides of his head. An intricate pattern of gold tattoos covered most of the skin down his neck and under his silk tunic. Scars peppered his hands, several cutting through the tattoos on his neck and face.

  It had become clear that the prince was a warrior. Not only did the scars give him away, but he was broad shouldered, confident and carried the alertness of one used to keeping track of his surroundings. The deep burgundy silk of his tunic shone in the glorious sunlight, making his eyes even more vivid.

  Diamond slowed and lifted her face to the sun. Rayan had been patient with her the first few weeks at sea. After he understood what had happened, he had not pushed her to talk, though once she had recovered, Diamond often sat with him. They had discussed much of what had happened in Avalonia and Rhodainia, of Ragor and Griana—of Hugo—and the threat that Erebos now presented to the Eight Kingdoms.

  Each day the potions Attion and Rayan’s healer made would settle her stomach from the roll of the ship, and each day she would get a little stronger.

  Not wishing to become physically weak, Diamond trained for a short time each day. Some days were with Attion and other days under the tutelage of Otekah. It had been hard learning a new discipline and way of fighting, but she found Otekah’s style suited her body frame and swiftness far more than wielding a heavy sword. The Fire Priest also schooled her in the art of calming her mind and building up defences against the anguish she felt from Hugo’s soul.

  Attion and Tawne, who had recovered far quicker than Diamond, joined in these sessions. Even a few of the other warriors, including Rayan, took part. It seemed training one’s mind as well as one’s body was something accepted as a fundamental part of being a warrior in the Southern Hotlands.

  Diamond had already determined to bring this practice to her own army, should she ever have one.

  “My father is a difficult man, Diamond,” Rayan began as she sank to the cushions by his side. “He is as old as your legendary Commander Riddeon and is fiercely protective of his kingdom and rule. He does not like interference.”

  Diamond frowned. “Oh. I’d heard he was tolerant to those from other kingdoms.”

  Rayan huffed a laugh, but there was no amusement in his face or eyes. “My father is tolerant to the extent that he allows people from other kingdoms to live, work and trade inside our borders, as long as they are registered and paying taxes. If they falter or think they can skip unnoticed into our vast lands, they soon discover they are very wrong. My father has our borders covered in spells. If a mouse crosses it, he knows.” His eyes drifted to Otekah. Worry shone in them.

  Diamond followed his gaze to the Fire Priest, who was training with Tawne. “Will he be safe?” Diamond asked.

  Rayan pressed his lips into a tight line, his nostrils flaring. “I don’t know.”

  “Why was he sent into slavery? He seems so loyal—and trustworthy. He does not strike me as someone who would risk his daughter’s life on breaking any laws.”

  “He isn’t,” replied Rayan. A heavy sigh rushed from him. “He concealed a relationship between his son and my brother from my father.”

  Diamond remained quiet. She had no idea why Otekah would need to conceal that relationship. She gave Rayan time to think about how much to tell her. Listen and learn, Hugo had always told her.

  “My brother, Talib, is a gentle soul but he is also extremely stubborn,” Rayan grimaced. “He never outwardly argues with my father, not like me, but he always gets his way. He is a manipulator and a brilliant politician—but this was one fight he lost. My father will not allow unions between an Ionian and a wizard; it is against the law and punished severely. When my father found out, he came to Otekah’s village. My father tried to take Salim from his home. Otekah tried to stop him.” Rayan swallowed. “My father and his wizards overpowered them. As punishment, Salim is forced to serve my father and Otekah was sold into slavery, his daughter alongside him.” His blue eyes shone with tears. “I did not know anything about it. My father had sent me to our southern borders, kept me ignorant of his knowledge and plans.”

  “Was your brother harmed?” Diamond asked.

  In the distance a shadow began to take shape, shimmering in the overpowering heat. Land.

  “No, but he is kept in line. He is forced to support my father in all his proposals to the wizard council, or Salim is punished. A true whipping boy,” Rayan growled. “The council can be controlled now they have lost my brother’s support. I’m sure my father would prefer to kill them all, but it would cause too much unrest. I think he always knew of the affair between Salim and Talib and let it grow until he could use it.”

  “Will your father kill Otekah?” asked Diamond.

  “Yes,” said a deep voice from beside them.

  Diamond gave a start.

  Otekah looked down at them both, his chest and muscles gleaming with sweat. “Or he will try.”

  “I will try and protect you, my friend,” Rayan answered, g
uilt heavy in his eyes.

  Otekah smiled. “We both know you cannot. I will leave you soon and enter our shores alone. Your father cannot then blame you or call you traitor.” Otekah looked at Diamond. “I will re-join you as soon as I can, queen. Now you are recovered fully, there is something you should know about your heritage—and mine.”

  Diamond swallowed, remembering Firan’s words.

  “May I?” Otekah asked, indicating the deck beside the pile of cushions and silks on which Diamond and Rayan sat.

  “Of course,” Diamond replied.

  Otekah knelt, as was his way and stared out over the ocean.

  Her stomach clenched at the gravity in his expression.

  “About one thousand years ago, the new queen of Avalonia sent an assassin to kill your mother. She allied and colluded with Rayan’s father. At that time, Tanelle was betrothed to a young wizard called Parran—Rayan’s uncle. Parran had been named heir to these lands, but Kalib, as spoilt and greedy as he is, wanted to rule. He wanted to push our people into servitude of the wizards, and to line his pockets and coffers with our hard work.”

  Diamond shuffled, Firan had told her this story. Excitement and dread knotted her stomach; perhaps she would learn something more about her mother.

  “Of course, the usurper queen did not succeed. Your Commander Riddeon travelled over the ocean to save Tanelle.”

  “So Erzion really did come here and fight the ice mage?” she whispered.

  “Yes, Queen Arjuno, he did.”

  Diamond said nothing at his term of address, though there was a slight cough from Attion, who leaned against the balustrade, clearly waiting to see how she would react. She cocked her head and flashed him a warning look.

  He swallowed, smirked and looked away.