“I didn’t know you could be so insightful,” she replied, not able to look at him.
“I know you didn’t.”
Her feet halted. It both disturbed her and lifted her heart to think Hugo knew her so well, that he could understand her like that. But she still felt she had let him down.
“Hugo, wait.” Her hand reached out and tentatively touched his arm. She swallowed hard at the contact. “What I’m trying to say is that I won’t let you down again. I’m sorry if I did today. I know how much effort you and Tallo, and even Attion, have put into my training. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s only because of the Queen’s orders. I want to succeed for all of you,” she vowed.
Hugo pushed his cowl off his head, looking at her intently. “Thank you. I appreciate that, and I know the other’s will too. But this isn’t about me, and it definitely is not about the Queen and her damned orders. It’s about you. You need to understand that if you let your emotions run wild, it could kill you; especially if you are fighting alone.” His voice was firm but with no trace of anger. “If you lose control of your emotions, your magic will take over, just like it did before. That will make you vulnerable, and someone as ancient and powerful as Ragor will recognise that. He will use it to rip you apart, then he will steal your soul and throw you into Chaos to be tortured by Erebos.” Hugo carefully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And that would mean every soul in this valley would perish, because, powerful though the Queen is, I believe she would sacrifice every one of her people to Ragor before she will strike him down.”
Icy fear slithered down Diamond’s spine. “But why does she want me to fight him if she can ultimately beat him herself?”
Hugo shrugged, looking perplexed. “That’s something I have been asking myself for weeks. It was only when I sent word that Jack was alive and needed sanctuary that she pulled her troops back from her borders. As they were gaining ground against Ragor’s army, I don’t understand her actions. Since then, whenever Jack has left the valley she has ordered me to protect him and make sure he returns. It’s odd, but since she took your necklace she seems to have lost interest in the prince.” He sighed and shook his head. “To be honest, her ultimate plan doesn’t concern me right now. You do. And I cannot stand the thought that Ragor may send your soul to Chaos.”
Diamond shuddered. Weeks ago, in that strange place between life and death, she had managed to escape the clutches of both Erebos and Sulphurious. It had been Hugo who had guided her soul back to her body. If he hadn’t done, she would still be trapped in that place of never ending darkness and ice. Would he fight like that for her again? Her eyes dropped.
As if sensing she was about to withdraw, Hugo placed his other hand over hers. Warmth permeated through the leather of her gloves, the muscle of his arm solid under her fingers as he continued, his voice remorseful. “I have much to atone for in my life,” he said, his fingers squeezing hers. “Too much to explain or apologise for right now. I have sworn to serve the Queen, and I will continue to do so to keep her attention from you, or at least until I know you are safe.” He took a deep breath and expelled it slowly. “But she will have to lock me away in iron to keep me from your side when Ragor attacks. I will not leave you to fight him alone.”
Words failed Diamond. After a moment of silence Hugo cleared his throat. Raising her eyes, she was surprised to see him looking uncomfortable, wary even.
“And I am sorry for using your friendship with Jack to insult you. It was a low blow, even if it did work to make you push past your sorrow. I couldn’t bear seeing you so defeated. I really didn’t mean the things I said,” he finished earnestly.
Diamond gaped. An apology?
Her expression must have amused him because he gave her another gorgeous smile. “There, we have both apologised. Now, shall we try and enjoy ourselves?” he asked, readjusting her hand to the crook of his elbow. “We are out together with only the Queen’s spies for company. So let me show you more of this overcrowded, stinking, yet gloriously beautiful city,” he declared, pulling her closer before he continued walking.
After the tightness in her stomach settled, Diamond risked a sidelong glance at her escort, finding it hard not to stare. Changing her vision, she watched his energy as it flowed and swirled gently around him. An electric shock of current zipped through her as the silver serpents, his constant magical companions, drifted closer until they intertwined with her ribbons of light. One nipped playfully at her cheek. The contact tingled along her skin into her bones, heating more than her cheeks. Finding her courage, she caressed his cheek with the lightest magical touch.
His bicep tensed under her fingers, his eyes flicking to hers. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. For a few minutes their energy danced then he began to slow it down until it wrapped gently around her arms, shoulders and waist. A wonderful calming warmth invaded her, as if he were a salve to her soul.
Hugo glanced down.
Ignoring her niggling doubts, Diamond held his eyes, smiled shyly and gripped him tighter.
CHAPTER 11
The wind blew viciously, tugging at her clothes and hair for the duration of the long walk down through the city. Pulling her cloak more tightly around her shoulders, Diamond shivered.
Hugo led her through the warren of streets. The people looked wretched and half-starved. Poorly clothed, they cowered in dark doorways and stinking alleys. City guards patrolled above in small squads. Their golden wings glinted in the moonlight as they dipped from the sky to move the homeless refugees back down towards the docks. The Queen did not seem to want these people straying to the higher, more affluent echelons of the city.
Hugo kept her arm tucked in his and pulled her closer.
As they neared the docks, inns and brothels became more frequent. The streets bustled with sailors and merchants, who wove through the crowds of begging refugees. The atmosphere felt heavy and volatile. Scuffles spontaneously broke out, to be quickly dealt with by the city guard.
Diamond held on tightly to Hugo, ready to fight if she had to. She did not like this part of the city. Instead, she concentrated on the brothels. In Berriesford, brothels had been confined to one area. Diamond had known that area was dangerous for a young half-blood girl, so she had done as her father asked and avoided them. Curiosity got the better of her now. Males and females of all shapes, sizes and state of undress hung around the doors and streets, lasciviously inspecting the passers-by. Diamond gaped, twisting her head back and forth.
Hugo snorted, and she found him smirking down at her.
Her cheeks flushed, her heart lurching at the glittering mirth in his eyes. Smiling sheepishly, she stuck her tongue out at him. He turned away laughing but that didn’t stop her ogling the flesh for sale.
Fury seared her whole body when a slender fae whore pulled down her top, exposed her breasts and loudly offered her wears to Hugo. He grinned and refused, then winked. Diamond was incensed. He never grinned and winked. She stepped even closer to him. Her shoulder brushed up against his solid arm and she glowered at the female. When she turned her head back to look where she was going, she caught Hugo smirking down at her.
Annoyed, but unsure why, she tried to pull her arm away.
He simply tensed his considerable muscles, raising both brows. “Ah, ah. Temper temper, little girl,” he chuckled.
Infuriatingly, she was unable to free herself without causing a scene. With no other choice, she stayed moulded to his side and kept walking.
The rumble of waves hitting the dock side became louder. It was a wonderful sound. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes and gripped Hugo’s arm, remembering her father’s voice as he laughed at her excitement upon seeing the sea for the first time. Her memories brought a smile to her lips.
The couple emerged onto the docks.
Stone quays stretched into the darkness, lined by the ghostly shadows of tall ships. This must be near the Queen’s harbour, Diamond reflected. Her nostrils flared. Two hulking, shadowy galleons f
loated in the distance, confirming her suspicion. She frowned, wishing the resurrected guardian had turned them to ash along with all the other ships it had destroyed.
Fishing boats and trade vessels of all sizes loomed along the open dockside, their gangplanks guarded by armed men. Normally safe in the relative shelter of the quays, the boats were being tossed about like driftwood on the stormy winter tide.
Tu Lanah cast a silvery glow through the clouds. The ice moon became bigger and lower every night, almost touching the horizon now. The storms that raged daily would not abate until Winter Solstice passed and Tu Lanah rose back into the sky.
Guards in dark uniforms appeared like shadows, patrolling the skies and the ground near the moored ships. Diamond had seen fae like them before, the day she had been kidnapped.
“Don’t worry, we aren’t going that way,” Hugo yelled over the mad chorus of clunking and twanging sails and ropes. He let go of her arm and pointed to a nearby inn. “Over here!” he shouted.
A strong gust of cold, briny wind caught Diamond’s legs and propelled her straight into Hugo’s hard body. He grabbed her arms quickly, holding her steady, his hood blowing away from his face. For a moment, his eyes held hers. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt his energy surge like the stormy winds around them, igniting that familiar heat inside her. But the moment was lost as he spun her swiftly around and propelled her past a huddled group of ragged vagrants.Diamond felt bad for them, stuck outside with no protection. Hugo pushed her quickly towards the door of the well-lit, but raucous inn. “Inside,” he said gruffly, so gruffly she wondered if she’d imagined the fiery way he had just looked at her.
Diamond had not been in many inns and was unprepared for the heat and stench of stale beer and bodies. Lively music greeted her, and she couldn’t stop her smile. It was bright and vibrant and happy. A duo playing fiddle and flute stood next to a far wall. Fae and human alike were talking loudly, trying to be heard. Tankards crashed together and barmaids rushed through the crowd, dodging unwanted attentions of their customers. Everyone seemed to be smiling, and the air was filled with good-natured banter.
Reese hurried over. “Commander.” He saluted Hugo smartly, then winked jauntily at Diamond.
She grinned and flung her hood off her head. It was warm in the inn, thanks to the roaring fire in the hearth. Her face began to glow and tingle after the onslaught from the cold wind.
Reese raised his eyebrows, ran his eyes over her from top to toe, and grinned.
Diamond knew she looked different. She had made an effort with her appearance as she had wanted to look pretty for a change. Her violet shirt was cut low enough to show a hint of her reclaimed curves and the colour complimented her eyes. She wore a black, fitted tunic and grey leggings with black boots. The soft glow from the oil lamps reflected in the silver of her hair, her eyes glimmering like bright jewels as she undid the clasp on her cloak and let it drop from her shoulders. She blushed at Reese’s open regard.
“Well, don’t you look lovely?” Reese complimented, wiggling his eyebrows.
Hugo gripped her arm, pulling her towards him slightly. “Reese, send some men over to help carry the beer. Diamond, you can help too,” he ordered, his voice growly and deep.
Her smile stayed in place as she rolled her eyes at Reese.
Choking on his laugh, Reese winked again and turned away to fetch reinforcements for the beer.
Hugo glared down at her, his mouth in a tight line.
“What?” she asked innocently, her smile slipping at the possessive light in his eyes.
“You know what,” he growled at her and strode off to the bar.
Diamond frowned. She didn’t know what, not really. All she’d done was look nice and smile at Reese.
“Hey!” She pulled hard at his arm. “Why are you angry now?” she asked in exasperation.
He turned, his gaze so intense she wanted to squirm. Bravely, she held his stare and raised her eyebrows, waiting for an answer. His eyes softened, his mouth curving into a sensual smile. “I’m not angry, Diamond. I’m jealous.”
Her mouth dropped open, and she started as he leaned down next to her ear. Hot breath caressed her, sending a shiver through her whole body. “And he’s wrong, you know. You don’t look lovely; that’s not a good enough description. Hmm, let’s see, hair that looks like spun silver, eyes sparkling like amethysts and these soft, slightly swollen lips. Yes, beautiful or stunning are far more fitting descriptions for the way you look right now.” He pulled back and allowed his eyes to travel slowly from the top of her head to the tip of her toes, and back up again, lingering on the open neck of her shirt.
Diamond’s face flamed, her mouth dropping open. Deliberately, he met her gaze, his eyes dark and hungry. Completely thrown, she gazed at him. Gently, he put his fingers under her jaw and closed her mouth before turning away. He strode off to the bar, his cloak a flurry of blue as he flung it off.
Swallowing her shock, Diamond followed him.
CHAPTER 12
The squadron occupied half of the inn, laughing and joking raucously. Diamond helped carry the tankards of ale and several pitchers of dark red wine, plonking them down in the middle of a worn-out, beer-stained table. There was a chorus of thanks before tankards were clunked loudly in Diamond’s honour. Even Attion accepted a drink from Diamond. He nodded his thanks and gave her a small smile before settling back to watch everyone.
Utterly taken aback, Diamond tried not to react. Thanks—and a smile? From Attion? Tonight is a night of surprises, she thought in amazement.
It seemed the squadron found it hilarious that Hugo, a Queen’s elite guard, had been punched in the mouth by a female trainee, even one with magic. To Diamond’s surprise, he took their jibes good-naturedly.
Smiling indulgently, Hugo glanced sideways and muttered under his breath, “You do realise this is all your fault, don’t you?”
She shrugged. “Sorry,” she beamed, not sounding in the least bit apologetic. Steeling her nerves, she leaned in towards him. “It serves you right,” she murmured in his ear.
“Yes, it does,” he surprised her by agreeing. “It’s taken me far too long to arrange a night out with you.”
Before Diamond could answer, some of the other soldiers shuffled down their bench to make room and bade her to sit down. Diamond slipped in, pushing along a wall until she could settle herself into a snug corner.
Hugo immediately slipped in beside her, snarling at the others. They quickly backed off and gave him room, all of them recognising the challenge in his eyes.
Diamond’s heartbeat ratcheted up a notch, her cheeks flushing with excitement and pleasure at that obvious sign of his interest. By the goddess, he was publicly staking a claim for her—with Attion only a few feet away. Nervously she glanced at Attion, but he coolly met her gaze and looked away, totally disinterested. His attention was focused entirely on the other patrons.
“Don’t worry about Attion; he is on our side,” Hugo rumbled in her ear.
His hot breath sent shivers down her spine.
Deliberately avoiding Hugo’s challenging stare, Reese settled himself opposite and began regaling the table with ridiculous and fantastical stories about being a sea captain turned smuggler turned soldier. Next to him, Tallo took up a huge amount of space, nearly as much as Hugo.
Diamond tried to concentrate on their voices instead of the way her heart beat erratically every time Hugo’s body brushed against hers. As the night went on, Hugo spent even more money, and the soldiers became even more drunk. Faces flushed, and Reese’s stories became raucous and wild.
The fiddler and the flutist played jaunty folk songs and couples danced around the inn, laughing loudly. Diamond giggled as Reese stood, gallantly bowed and asked Diamond to dance. She felt Hugo bristle immediately but had already said yes before he could speak. It had been such a long time since she had let her hair down and danced.
Hugo reluctantly let her go, his eyes burning as she shimmied from the
corner. Flashing Hugo a warning look, she took the hand Reese held out.
Hugo clenched his jaw and, with obvious effort, let her go.
Smiling, she let Reese pull her close—but not too close—and they danced energetically with the other couples, her hair streaming down her back.
The room passed in a whirl of colour and motion. Their laughter mixed with the music, but after three dances her sore muscles ached in protest. She excused herself from Reese, pushing her way through the crowd only to find her path blocked by a large fae warrior. Un-armoured golden wings framed his body, and his blonde hair glittered in the fire light. He was not as tall or broad as Hugo—or even Attion; but despite his lazy grin, there was something off about him. Diamond recoiled, her skin crawling. Recognition dawned. The warrior from the throne room.
Arrogance glinted in his eyes as he grinned down at her.
“Sorry,” she stammered, trying to step around him, to get as far away from him as she could. He sidestepped and blocked her path. Quickly she shifted her weight to a defensive stance, her training kicking in.
“Oh, that’s perfectly all right, Diamond. My fault entirely,” he smirked, then executed a perfect small bow. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fedron, and I have wanted to meet you for many weeks.” He leaned forward conspiratorially to add, “Ever since I saw you half-dressed in the forest, magic wielder.”
His eyes darkened, a predatory glint in them as his attention drifted to the open neck of her shirt. He inhaled. It was then she realised Fedron had lost his mind to his baser fae side. He was old enough to have passed his mating urge, but in some cases fae lost control of their feral instincts. They became obsessed with possessing others. Stretching out the forefinger of his right hand, Fedron hooked it into her blouse, pulling it aside to reveal the creamy skin of her breast and the large purple scar that marked it. His fingertip traced the raised skin.
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