Eryanth swallowed hard. He ran a shaking hand through his silken hair. “You are killing me here, Diamond,” he grated. “You have no idea how much I want you.”
She leaned in and kissed him lightly. “Yes, I do.” Then she sobered a little. She knew Eryanth could hide them if he wished, hide the noise and seal their tent with shadow but she still had to talk to Clarissa about protection—and deep down, she knew she wasn’t ready.
Eryanth seemed to sense her change in mood. “Hey? We will make love again when you are ready—not before.”
She nodded and leaned against him, wrapping her arms around his waist. This time it was comfort and safety she felt. “Thank you,” she breathed, meaning it with every shred of her soul. Eryanth truly loved her, he had fought his way back from death for her, he had saved her time and again and he would wait for her until the end of time—if that’s what it took.
Through the remnants of their bond, her thoughts echoed to him. “Of course I would,” he whispered.
Diamond smiled against the dragon, who pushed forward slightly from the shirt covering Eryanth’s chest. “As I would do for you,” she whispered, meaning every word. It did not seem odd to her that they shared their emotions, even with her lack of magic.
“I will not allow Erebos, or that spear, to take you away from me—no matter the cost to this world,” he growled. “We will find another way to kill him if we have to—but I will not let you go.”
Diamond shivered at the thought of what the weapon might do to her but she hid her anxiety from her soul bonded; instead, she nodded sadly. “I know you will try. But my destiny cannot be changed—not even by you.”
Chapter 2
Two weeks later Diamond stared into the blue horizon. According to Rayan, Ion Kugat was right in front of them. The secret city was not the capital of the Southern Hotlands, but it was the seat of the High Wizard.
Diamond frowned. Nope, no matter how she narrowed her eyes or turned her head, there was nothing to see, no sign of civilisation—just blue sand and sky. “What? Is it really here? But I don’t see anything—nothing except sand and sky,” she complained, sweeping her hands through the air in an all-encompassing gesture.
Rayan laughed. “That’s because you’re not meant to see it. If you were not with me and the other wizards, you would be compelled to travel a different path, one that would take you far away from our fair city.”
“Oh,” replied Diamond, trying again to see if there were any clues at all.
Rayan just laughed at the concentration on her face. Wizards nearby turned to look at him in shock. Rayan very rarely laughed and certainly not in public; he was not known for his patience or good humour.
Diamond couldn’t help but return his smile. She had been angry with him for not telling her what his vow of protection really meant. It had horrified her to think if she died whilst in the Southern Hotlands, Rayan would too. She had just about forgiven him for his nondisclosure. It hadn’t escaped her notice that Eryanth and Rayan had banded together to try bringing her around.
Eryanth slapped Rayan’s shoulder. “See? Told you being persistent and wearing her down is the way to go. She’s forgiven you now,” he chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Diamond rolled her eyes. “Well, it’s not like I have much choice, is it? You two working together is enough to make anyone cave.”
“Of course,” Rayan said superiorly, bowing from atop his horse before squaring his shoulders. “As the two most handsome and ultimately the best warriors in the Eight Kingdoms, no man, and certainly no woman, has any chance of resisting our charms.”
There were several loud snorts from just above them. Diamond fought her blush when Eryanth fixed his heated gaze upon her and raised one brow, acknowledging that she was resisting his charms. Not that anyone else needed to know that. Diamond swallowed, she just did not feel ready to have sex or reseal their blood bond yet. Truth be told, she was not comfortable with the constant supervision they were under. The knowledge that everyone, including their guards, could hear what went on at night in the stillness of the desert did not make for an amorous atmosphere. Eryanth had supported her and not once put her under pressure, though she knew her embarrassment amused him, especially as the noises from the nearby tents made it obvious no one else was remotely bothered. She avoided his gaze, remembering the slow-burning kiss he had given her when she had awoken in his arms that morning, albeit fully dressed.
“If you are so irresistible, where is your soulmate, prince?” rumbled Attion from above. Elexon grinned down at them too, clearly wondering the same thing.
Rayan straightened his spine and affected an air of nonchalance, though his eyes sparkled with laughter. “Since Queen Arjuno declined my offer of marriage, albeit to the next hottest male in the Eight Kingdoms…”
Eryanth promptly interrupted. “Piss off. Who’s the next hottest?”
Diamond could not hold back her laugh at his indignant reply.
However, Rayan ignored him and continued to defend himself. “I have decided to save myself for the perfect match,” he stated.
“Ha! You mean you’ve had no offers,” declared Attion bluntly.
“Oh, I don’t know,” quipped Elexon. “His majesty’s idea of saving himself for his perfect match is perhaps different to yours. His tent has been noisy enough most nights.”
Rayan grinned and winked up at Elexon. “Jealous, red wing?” he asked before turning to Diamond with a mock glare. “Queen Arjuno, please keep your warriors in line. They are far too insolent for their own good.”
Diamond smiled widely. “Indeed, prince, though Elexon has a point. Perhaps if you pitch your tent away from ours, all of us would get more sleep and my warriors would not be short-tempered or exhausted from listening to your night-time antics.”
Rayan had no shame though, letting her comment wash over him even as he wiggled his brows at her. “I notice your tent has been extremely quiet this past week or so, Queen Arjuno. Are you still resisting the charms of the second hottest warrior in this kingdom?” he asked, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
Eryanth chuckled at her hot face, but before he could speak Diamond’s horse bucked. She gripped the reins and pulled him back under control.
A group of wizards appeared out of thin air. The three men at the head of the column wore fine silk robes of purple and yellow, a uniform of sorts but certainly more luxurious than the light leather armour the wizard warriors wore. These men were immaculate, their long blonde hair perfectly braided to hang down their backs. Their stance was upright and superior.
As if a cloud had crossed Rayan, all levity fell from his face, his piercing eyes fixing on the new arrivals. Diamond tried not to shudder at the sudden ice in that gaze.
The new arrivals did not have the bearing of warriors, nor did they have the sides of their heads shaved and their legion tattooed on the bare skin. Wizards like Rayan, who were of higher rank and social standing, had their house markings inked in their scalps. These men had no markings to identify them.
Diamond watched Rayan’s spine straighten and the muscles of his forearms knot as he gripped his horse’s reins. Clearly, these men were not his favourite people.
Eryanth noted Rayan’s reaction and walked his horse to Diamond’s opposite side. She refrained from releasing a sigh. She understood why both these men wanted to ensure she was protected but, with the fae hovering above her too, she could be forgiven for feeling a little smothered. Even so, she adjusted her position in her saddle and slid a hand beneath her robe to wrap her fingers around the pommel of her sword.
“Prince Rayan, kindly instruct all but those of royal blood to remain outside the shield,” said an older-looking wizard. He had a long, thin face and cold grey eyes.
There was a wave of muttering and refusal from the royal protectors—of every realm.
“Councilman, a pleasure as always,” responded Rayan in a voice that suggested the complete opposite was true. “In the interests of diplom
acy, each sovereign is entitled to accompaniment from their own guard.”
The man’s thin lips became even thinner. “These are your father’s orders; are you refusing to follow them, prince?” he sneered.
Rayan walked his horse up to the man and growled down at him, “Yes.” Then he inched his horse closer to the finely dressed delegates, who were forced to stumble backward from his path or be crushed.
Diamond heard Eryanth’s snort of amusement.
“Now now, brother,” said a slim, young wizard, who pushed past the flustered councilmen.
“Talib!” barked Rayan. He vaulted off his horse and embraced his brother tightly.
Talib laughed. “It’s good to see you too.” He pulled back, though Rayan still held his silk-clad upper arms. Talib’s face was lovely, almost beautiful. His eyes were the same vivid blue as Rayan’s, and his hair was the same pure white, but he was clearly not a warrior. His head was not shaved, and he was at least six inches shorter and of far more elegant build than his elder brother. “But you should not deliberately anger Father. You know what will happen if you do.”
These last words were quiet, meant only for Rayan, but Diamond and Eryanth were close enough to catch their words with their fae hearing.
“I know what will happen, Talib, but on this I will not give in.” He lowered his voice further and Diamond had to strain to hear. “I will not ask all these leaders to enter our city unprotected. I do not trust Father one bit and will not be responsible for their imprisonments or deaths—will you?” he hissed.
Talib pressed his lips together and swallowed. His gaze took in the long lines of armed soldiers and his eyes widened before they flitted to the patiently waiting sovereigns. Both Ilya and Firan bowed their heads in greeting.
“Fine, big brother,” he sighed. “You do as you see fit but, please, make sure Father knows I did not suggest this or Salim will suffer.”
Rayan nodded, his face grave. “I will do my best, but you know my words will mean nothing to him.”
Talib gave a weak smile. “I do. I guess this will be on both of us then.” He pulled away and spoke louder. “Councilmen, I believe my brother is right. No sovereign would enter another’s city without protection. Please return and inform my father that Prince Rayan and I will guide our esteemed guests to the city. Our warriors will stay and escort us.” Dismissing the disgruntled councilmen, he turned to Rayan and grinned. “I heard you took the vow. How about you introduce me to the one who inspired such stupidity in you, brother?”
“Of course. Though I take offence at such a statement,” Rayan said, affecting hurt in his voice.
“Ha! I imagine you do,” re-joined Talib. “It’s still a ridiculous vow that should be outlawed,” he stated.
“Well, when you are High Wizard you can do just that,” Rayan commented.
Which brother was to succeed their father was a long-standing argument. Talib shook his head in a long-suffering gesture. “Never mind that now. Come, introduce me.”
Diamond did not think she should be looking down upon two princes, so she dismounted, trying not to wince at the stiffness in her body. The journey across the desert had been hard for her, but not like it had been for those without a horse to ride or any shelter from the plummeting night-time temperatures.
Talib bowed elegantly as Rayan introduced her. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Queen Arjuno,” he greeted. His eyes flicked to Eryanth, who stood protectively by Diamond’s side.
“And this is…” Rayan stumbled on his words, not sure of Eryanth’s official title.
“My mate and King of Avalonia,” Diamond interjected, taking over the introductions. She had not yet used his title publicly, and Eryanth’s sharp intake indicated he was pleased by her public acknowledgment. “He is also son to Lord Firan of the Wetlands.”
Observant and silent, Firan nodded a greeting.
“And half-brother of Queen Kilar of the Fire Mountains,” Diamond finished.
An acknowledging roar from above had Talib raising his eyes to where Ilya flew. His eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Diamond almost expected him to look disgusted like the High Wizard had, but Talib merely smiled his acceptance at the dragon flying above his head. “A powerful alliance,” he commented, giving his brother a smile.
Rayan shrugged and nodded. “Indeed, brother. One that may save the earth under our feet and the air we breathe if we nurture it,” he replied, an undertone of warning colouring his voice.
Talib nodded, then encompassed them all in his next words. “Sovereigns, I know my father is expecting you; however, both you and your armies have had a long journey. My brother and I will escort you and your guards to the palace. Please instruct your legions to come inside the city cloak. I think it only fair you bring them to where they can rest and recuperate in relative safety,” he stated before he looked to the healers’ wagon, where Clarissa and Rose sat side by side.
Both were listening intently to the exchange of words.
Talib noted the tattoo on Clarissa’s forearm: three solid circles of ink. Like the wizard warriors, the healers were marked, not by legion but by rank. Clarissa was a core healer. Healers had six tiers. Three more until she hit master healer and could wear the insignia of one at the top of the healer caste.
Clarissa straightened at Talib’s continued regard, but dropped her eyes low in respect when he strode closer.
“I will send more healers to help with the wounded,” Talib addressed her.
Clarissa nodded her thanks.
“I will also send plenty of supplies to feed all these men and horses,” he informed the other sovereigns.
Within moments, orders were bellowed and relayed down the ranks. The fae landed, both Elexon and Havron taking positions behind Diamond and Eryanth. Attion landed nearby and stalked towards Diamond. Tawne howled from the top of the nearest dune, signalling his return.
Diamond almost laughed out loud as she saw Talib’s astounded expression. Clearly he had never seen a wolf before. She had to admit Tawne was huge, far bigger than any wild wolf she had ever seen. He slid down the dune on all fours, sending blue sand skittering in a mini-avalanche before he shook it from his grey and white fur and trotted up to her side.
“You gonna change back to two legs for this bit?” asked Attion with a mischievous smile.
“Don’t bother,” interjected Diamond before Tawne could change, though her mouth quirked up in amusement. “Having a stark naked man who has no sense of proprietary walking amongst us might not help with diplomacy.”
“Oh, I don’t know. You know how good he looks naked, my love; it might help us exponentially,” Eryanth drawled in her ear.
“Shhh,” she hissed, trying to look imperious, avoiding his sparkling eyes. “And of course, I have never noticed how good Tawne looks naked. It wouldn’t be seemly for a queen to pay attention to such things or to comment on them.”
Eryanth leaned in, his eyes burning with fire. “I hope my queen has noticed such things about this warrior. If not, I am more than willing to remind her…”
Holding his gaze, she brushed her lips against his ear and whispered back, “I’m glad to hear that, my king. Once we are alone, I am certain my memory will need refreshing. It’s been far too long and I need help to remember.”
All their warriors grinned widely, even Attion. Heat flooded her face. She had momentarily forgotten they could all hear every word.
Eryanth’s heated gaze followed her as she stepped away, but there was a satisfied smirk on his face—until Ilya screeched, the sound echoing off the dunes before a shaft of fire exploded from her jaws and stained the blue sky.
Beautiful and deadly, her dragon glided down. She shifted back to her fae form, the sand sinking under her feet as she landed. Clad in her form-fitting purple and gold armour, she stalked up to Ugan, her human commander.
Diamond didn’t miss the look of longing upon Eryanth’s face. He had spent many hours flying with his sister. The nights the dragons
had spent guarding the army had been cold and lonely for Diamond but it had been worth it to know Eryanth had been with his sister. Ilya had been teaching Eryanth how to better handle his dragon, though it seemed he would not have fire until he drank from the rivers of lava under Salvir’s sacred mountain. Ilya had promised to take him there as soon as the alliance in Ion Kugat had been forged.
Diamond’s heart squeezed as Eryanth’s emotions echoed down their soul bond.
Firan, however, did not need that kind of bond to know what bothered Eryanth. He was astute and observant enough to read his son’s body language. “Son? You are powerful enough to protect the one you love without fire. You are a shadow demon who has survived Chaos. Do not doubt yourself or your dragon,” advised Firan, patting Eryanth’s shoulder reassuringly. The blue-skinned merlord smiled at Eryanth, who seemed to stand taller at his father’s words.
Eryanth inhaled deeply before releasing a slow breath. “That is very true, father,” he agreed and eyed her with such intensity her stomach flipped.
Diamond coughed and turned away. “So how do we protect ourselves from your father’s machinations?” she asked Rayan.
He snorted softly. “It is impossible to protect yourselves completely, though I believe you will be safe, Queen Arjuno. He will not want me to die quite yet. And although I cannot guarantee everyone’s safety, I think he will be planning a way to use every single one of the sovereigns here to his advantage.”
Diamond pressed her lips together as she swung her leg back over her saddle and pulled herself upon her horse’s back. She looked on as Rayan did the same, swinging his bulk up on his magnificent horse. His gaze snagged upon Ilya. “I feel it might very well be the Queen of the Fire Mountains who is in the most danger. My father will not want someone who can threaten and cow him within his borders or his home.”
“Perhaps we should warn her?”
“I think Queen Ilya is more astute than she portrays and so is her Lord Protector. No, we need not say anything further,” he said, swinging his horse’s head around and taking the lead.
The Goddess and The Guardians Boxset: The Complete Romantic Fantasy Quartet Page 105
