Rose flushed as joy lit her eyes. “Does he? I’m not so sure after the way I’ve treated him.”
“Of course. Rose. He can’t take his eyes off you when you’re near him. Do you love him?” Diamond asked, taking her friend’s hands in her own and looking her in the eye.
Rose dropped her eyes and gulped. “I do.”
“Does he know?” Diamond asked, though she already knew the answer.
“No. I, er, haven’t found the right time to talk to him,” Rose whispered.
“Oh, Rose, you must. We are going to war. Who knows what may happen?”
Rose gulped, her face draining of colour. “You don’t think anything will happen to him, do you?” she asked, her voice wavering. “But he is so strong. Such a good warrior…” her voice petered to nothing. “I can’t lose him,” she finished.
Diamond tried to conjure a reassuring smile, but they both knew nothing was certain. “Then at least talk to him. Give him some hope you care for him the way he cares for you.”
Rose’s shoulders straightened, her chin lifting. “I will try. He just—I fall over my words with him now. He makes me so nervous. He says he has forgiven me, but it’s as if he has pulled away from me.” Her face fell. “He is still polite but so detached now. I’m frightened I’ve lost him, Diamond.” Her eyes shone wetly. “It serves me right if I have. I have been awful to him.”
“Rose, he is most certainly not cool in his feelings towards you, but you hurt him. All he wanted to do was help you heal, to make sure you were alright, but you berated him and chased him away, almost every time he spoke to you. He is probably just protecting his heart.” Diamond smiled and squeezed her friend’s hands. “Why don’t you go and put on a pretty dress? Take one out of my wardrobe if you don’t have one. Make him take notice of you tonight. If you love him, fight for him. Life is far too short to miss out on that.”
Rose nodded, wiping her eyes as she stood up. She gulped down another glass of wine, belched delicately and blew out a steadying breath. “I will,” she said resolutely.
Diamond grinned as Rose turned away.
Rose opened the doors to a huge closet in which hung beautiful gowns. She made a noise of approval in her throat. “This is more like the clothes you should be wearing,” she commented, touching the gowns reverently. “You are a queen, not just a warrior. Sexy, figure-hugging celestial armour aside, you need a beautiful gown tonight—to blow Eryanth away.” When she spun around to face Diamond, Rose held up a beautiful pink and gold gown. “This one,” she stated. “It is fit for a queen,” she grinned.
Diamond bit her lip as she studied herself in the mirror. The dress made her feel like a queen. Its silken folds started in a deep rose colour on one shoulder where it fastened with a gold flower brooch. From there, it moulded over her breasts and torso, the rose material blending into gold as it gathered on one side of her waist. The cut accentuated her curves before swathes of pink and gold silk fell to the floor where the material floated around her ankles. The dress parted as she moved, showing a teasing amount of each of her legs. Her hair was loose except for two small braids secured at the back of her head to keep it off her face. She wore no jewellery save for a circlet of gold in her hair that had been shaped into flowers. The centre of each was set with different gemstones. It was so pretty Diamond could not resist when Rose had lifted it out of the jewellery box Ilya had sent to her.
Diamond smiled to herself, her stomach churning. She wanted to share everything she had done today with Eryanth. She wanted to know how he felt about his brush with fire, how it felt to fly with others like him, how he was coping with the knowledge he had a family. She could ask him through their bond, but she wanted to see his eyes shine and his face light up. She wanted to hold his hand and kiss him as he told her, so she kept her mind locked down.
Rose had left to dress for dinner, but Diamond was expecting a whole host of escorts.
There was a firm knock at the door. She pulled it open, her mouth stretching into a big smile as her heart expanded.
“Are you ready?” asked Arades. “Scrap that. Stupid question. You look stunning,” he told her, his voice cracking a bit.
Diamond hugged her emotional father and kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she mumbled into his chest.
Tom grinned at her. Diamond winked at Zane, who stood close to his mate’s shoulder.
“Your father is right, Diamond. You look beautiful,” Jack said.
“Thank you, Jack,” Diamond turned her attention to the two young women who hovered by Jack’s side.
“Queen Arjuno,” greeted Syhira.
Syhira was clearly not embracing her role as a princess. She wore her armour and carried her bow over her shoulder. The challenge in her eye was enough to make Diamond grin, but she maintained her demeanour. If Syhira wished to denounce her role, that was her choice and nothing to do with anyone else—except perhaps her brother and sister.
Princess Lyana smiled at Diamond, a genuine, friendly smile that lit her sweet face. Her pale blue dress sparkled with tiny crystals as she moved. It flowed over her curves, cinched at her waist by a silver belt. She looked lovely with her hair piled on her head and tendrils curling to her chin.
Diamond returned her smile.
“Good evening, Queen Arjuno. I hope you don’t mind me accompanying you as well?” Lyana asked a little shyly.
“I asked her to,” Jack added in a defensive tone.
Diamond grinned. The two weren’t touching, not even close, but Diamond thought it interesting Karl wasn’t in this party—and that Lyana was standing right by Jack’s side.
“Of course you did,” she placated. “Why should I mind?” She stepped forward and shared a smirk with her father, who swallowed his smile. She linked arms with Lyana, totally pushing Jack out of the way.
Jack’s eyes widened, his mouth dropping open.
If Jack wanted to be with Lyana, he was going to have to first admit it—and then work for it, decided Diamond.
Zane snorted, and even Syhira smirked.
“You don’t mind if Lyana and I become acquainted, do you, Jack?” she asked innocently. “I’m sure you can spare her company for a while.” Arm in arm, Lyana and Diamond walked ahead of the group, chattering away.
Arades chuckled. Zane and Tom followed behind.
And Jack scowled.
Syhira whacked his shoulder. “Jealous, much?” she purred, laughing.
“I’m not jealous. Diamond can talk to whomever she wants,” he snapped.
“Oh, I’m not talking about her,” Syhira chuckled.
The rose and gold gown floated elegantly around Diamond’s legs, caressing her bare skin. Her slim, bejewelled sandals clicked against the tiled, mirror-like floor. The room was opulent, but stylishly so. Mosaics lined the walls of the great hall and above her a brightly-coloured mural of Lexon and Alethia Arjuno, the first King and Queen of the Fire Mountains, glittered brightly.
The dark-haired Lexon looked like Eryanth, Diamond mused.
A bellow of roars had already signalled the guardians’ return to the palace whilst she and Lyana walked with Jack and Arades towards the huge dining hall. Diamond’s stomach churned with excitement to see Eryanth; they had so much to catch up on.
The doors banged open and Ilya strode in, Ugan by her side. An older man, who looked very like Ugan, immediately demanded her attention. Still, Ilya took the time to nod and smile at Diamond before heading towards him.
Diamond’s breath caught in her throat as another figure stalked through the open doors.
Eryanth exuded power and strength. His eyes glinted with bright silver sparks as he sought her out.
A sharp tug on her chest caused her to grin. She allowed her magic to float forward and entwine with his—and tugged back. Hard. His body jerked a bit and his eyes widened before flaring with fire.
You forget. I can play that game again, my love, she told him.
He rubbed his chest and quirked a brow at her. I hadn’t
forgotten, but thanks for the reminder.
You’re welcome, she responded and sat primly on a spare chair, back straight, a small smile on her face.
“Why are you trying to look so innocent?” asked Jack suspiciously.
Diamond smirked at her friend. “I’m not,” she denied.
“Oh.” Jack rolled his eyes as Eryanth came to a halt in front of them. “That explains why. Though I’m sure he knows you well enough now not to fall for that.” He stood and greeted Eryanth warily.
“Jack. How are you?” Eryanth greeted, no awkwardness in his manner or voice.
They exchanged pleasantries; their conversation was a little stilted but not angry. Her shoulders relaxed at about the same time Arades’ did.
Diamond stood when Eryanth’s attention came back to her.
Eryanth took her hands and kissed the backs of them. His gaze travelled over her, lingering on the scars she proudly exposed to the world. “My queen, you look beautiful,” he purred, sounding very fae.
Diamond blushed but thanked him for the compliment. Eryanth gave a small bow to Lyana, who smiled back, not at all cowed by Eryanth’s size or magic. Diamond found herself liking the young princess even more.
“Shall we go to our seats?” Jack asked Lyana.
Lyana’s blonde hair gleamed when she nodded. Jack awkwardly let her take his arm before he walked away with Tom, Zane and Syhira following.
Diamond took a breath and wiped her palms down her skirts. She didn’t know why she was nervous—but she was. She really wanted her father and her soulmate to like each other. The thought that they might not filled her with fear. “Dad, I’d like you to meet Eryanth. Eryanth, this is my father, Arades,” she introduced them, keeping her voice steady.
The two warriors contemplated each other. Arades was an inch or two shy of Eryanth’s seven feet but seemed just as powerful to Diamond. Despite not having magic or a guardian at his disposal, Arades was a force to be reckoned with. He knew it—and so did Eryanth.
Eryanth took Diamond’s hand, then held his other one out to Arades. “It’s an honour to meet you formally, sir. Diamond has told me so much about you over these past months. I’m glad she no longer needs to grieve for you.”
Arades narrowed his eyes. Silence stretched for a moment.
Diamond held her breath and swallowed hard at about the same time Eryanth did. Then Arades glanced at her before he shook Eryanth’s hand and smiled broadly.
Diamond released a huge breath.
“I’m glad my daughter has found a mate worthy of her affections. She loves you very much.”
Eryanth smiled back; though, when he went to drop Arades’ hand, Arades tightened his grip.
“So if you hurt her—in any way, I’ll kill you—no matter how much magic you have. Are we clear?” he growled, his eyes like flints.
Eryanth straightened, but instead of reacting, he merely nodded his head gravely. “Of course. I would expect nothing less,” he answered.
Arades dropped his hand and smiled, his eyes twinkling now. “We’re all good then. I’d better join my king. I’ll see you both later.”
Diamond kissed her father’s cheek before he followed after Jack.
Eryanth breathed a sigh of relief. Diamond giggled at his response.
Don’t you laugh at me. That was the scariest experience of my life! He took her hand and gazed down at her. Gods, if we weren’t expected to be here, I’d carry you out of this room right now. I have so much to tell you—and that dress...goddess above…” His eyes raked over her, and Diamond did her best not to preen. It will look better on our bedchamber floor.
“Well, my king, shall we eat, then you can take me back to our quarters and, err, tell me everything you wish to?” she purred, wrapping magic around his body, causing his footsteps to falter.
“I hope you don’t want to socialise tonight, because I plan to drag you away from everyone as soon as I possibly can,” he growled in her ear.
Diamond giggled as he marched through the room and plonked down at a table near Gorian and Max. Opposite them, Firan and Kilar sat close together.
Diamond greeted the couple as Eryanth leaned over and hugged his father and mother. Tears pricked her eyes. They all looked so happy. As she looked around the room, she saw Attion and Tawne—whom, she noticed with some amusement, was actually in human form and wearing clothes. Clarissa was deep in conversation with Attion. His green eyes were shining and fixed on her face as they had a heated discussion about something.
Tawne looked totally bored by it all. His wolf eyes shifted from face to face almost as if he were sizing up his dinner as opposed to waiting on the food to be brought from the kitchens.
Diamond’s brows dipped. She needed to convince him to spend more time as a man. It seemed his wolf was becoming more dominant.
Movement by the door caught Diamond’s attention. Rose entered alone. She looked stunning in the wine red ensemble Diamond had picked for her. Her flat midriff was showing, the lace of her bodice extending along the curves of her waist where it met the low slung waist band of her flowing lace and silk skirts.
Many eyes followed her, both male and female, as she started across the hall. Her brown curls shone and bounced around her shoulders. She smiled at Diamond. It was amazing to see Rose step alone into such a crowded room full of strangers. Diamond was so proud of her. But before Diamond could beckon her friend over, a fae warrior intercepted Rose. He bowed gallantly and leaned in to talk to her. Rose smiled weakly and went to step around him, clearly wanting to reach the safety of her friends.
The male’s hand snaked out and grasped Rose’s wrist, not hard but it was still an uninvited touch.
Rose froze and paled.
Diamond tensed. Knowing her friend’s history, she gathered her magic ready to inflict enough pain in the warrior’s hand that he’d release her. A soft touch of magic and gentle tug on her chest made her hesitate.
“Wait,” suggested Eryanth.
A figure pushed through the throng of people with determination. Elexon’s eyes burned with crimson fire, his red hair gleaming brightly under the lights. His jaw was set as he clamped his fingers around the man’s wrist and snarled viciously. With a yank, he pulled the man’s grip from Rose.
Diamond’s eyes narrowed, hoping Elexon didn’t lose his control. Others gave them space, wary of Elexon’s anger. Elexon was not in the first throes of the urge, he had control of himself; but he was still fae, and that meant he would fight viciously to protect Rose.
Attion and Tawne watched tensely, as did Havron and many other First Legion soldiers.
Rose swallowed hard but kept her gaze down as the warrior apologised, held his hands up in supplication and walked away.
Diamond pressed her lips together, hoping that sudden and unwanted touch didn’t push Rose backwards with her recovery.
Elexon lifted her chin with his finger, his face full of reassurance. Rose nodded and gave him a watery smile. Rose released a breath and took the arm Elexon offered.
Diamond tried not to let her joy for her friend show. Despite Elexon’s show of protectiveness, they were by no means a couple—yet.
They will get there, Eryanth reassured her.
Diamond slipped her hand in his. I hope so.
He leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly. “They will,” he stated.
“Oh, by the goddess! Will you two please get a room!” complained Rayan, looking resplendent in his new light blue tunic, black leggings and boots. He wore daggers, low slung on his waist, and had his face and sides of his head newly shaved. His blue eyes sparkled brightly.
Eryanth swore at Rayan before kicking out the chair beside him and ordering, “Sit your arse down and shut up.”
Which Rayan laughingly did.
Diamond sat back and looked around her, trying with all her heart to ignore the dread in her soul.
She felt such love for all her friends, old and new, and for her father and for her soulmate. For once, they cou
ld all be happy and feel safe; they could relax and eat and drink and have fun.
So why did she have such ice coating her insides? This is everything that I will fight for, that I will die for. Tears pricked her eyes as she looked down at where her hand was enveloped loosely by Eryanth’s. She wrapped her magic around him, leaning into his body as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
As he looked at her, silver flame flickering among the sapphire of his eyes, Diamond pushed thoughts of the golden spear and Erebos to one side. War was on the horizon, but right now she was with those she loved and that was more important.
Part II
War
Chapter 18
Jack strapped his sword belt around his waist and pulled it tight.
“Do you have everything you need?” rumbled Eryanth to Fetu.
Fetu nodded as he surveyed the lines of mermen and fae warriors assigned to escort the Hourian royals back to the shores of Lake Najet and his armada. “I do.” Fetu took a huge breath and expelled it.
Jack had spent the last few days ensuring the young prince had confidence in his role. Fetu had changed from a spoilt little boy to a young man who would contemplate his words before they left his mouth. He seemed wary of saying the wrong thing around women—probably because of the multiple times Syhira had battered him around the head if he said something insensitive or undiplomatic.
Eryanth watched Fetu as Arades marched up to Jack’s side with Roin. “So are you happy with the plan?” Eryanth asked.
Fetu nodded and glanced at Syhira.
Jack’s attention drifted as his general and the King of Avalonia talked battle strategy with Fetu. Instead, he stared at a figure dressed in brown leggings and leather armour who marched up to him. Jack stepped back; he had never seen Lyana angry.
Her grey eyes flashed as she stopped in front of him, her hands on her hips. “Were you going to let me leave without even talking to me? You didn’t even ask my opinion before you made plans that I would go with my sister and brother. Did you even think of asking me my opinion about what I might want to do?”
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