The Ice Diamond Cuff (Custodian Novel #4) Read online

  "What did you think of your gift?" Todmus asked. He, Allora and Skylar were sitting at the top of one of the tables that butted up against where Faedra was sitting.

  "They are awesome, Todmus. I can't believe I have my own winged horse. I'm guessing you trained them for us?"

  Todmus's usually ruddy cheeks turned even rosier.

  "You did an amazing job. Thanks."

  "Have you picked out names for them, yet?" he asked.

  Faen turned to join in the conversation. "We have, my friend. I am calling mine Malachite, and Faedra decided on Moonstone."

  "Oh, those are pretty names," Allora said. "Don't you think, Skylar?"

  Skylar nodded enthusiastically, causing the smile on Faedra's face to grow even wider.

  A moment later, sadness crept around Faedra's heart like delicate tendrils, and her smile fell just a little. She pulled her gaze away from the little girl. The energy she was now sensing was subtle, but it was there, and it didn't take more than a few seconds to discover to whom it belonged. Faedra drew her lips together in a tight line as her eyes fell on Alyssa. The young Lightbender had her head resting on a hand that was propped up by her elbow on the table. Her other hand was holding a fork, pushing food around on her plate. She was gazing at Etyran, and the longing in her eyes was unmistakable.

  Faedra's heart tugged at the sight. She hated to see anyone she cared about suffer in any way. But one thing she couldn't control was love. No, love had to find its own course, for better or worse. Alyssa must have sensed she was being watched, and her eyes met Faedra's. They widened for a second and she looked like she'd just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Faedra offered her a sad smile. Alyssa reciprocated before casting her eyes down to the table, continuing to watch her fork aimlessly push food around on her plate.

  At that moment, another energy distracted Faedra's thoughts. A mixture of anxiety and nerves. Her brow crinkled as she scanned the dinner guests for any clue as to whom was feeling anxious. As she zeroed in on it, her smile came back. When she saw who it was that was nervous, Faedra knew exactly the reason why, and that gave her cause to be happy and hopeful.

  "Okay, missy. Why are you looking so pleased with yourself?" Etyran's jovial comment drew her attention back to her table. Faen, Etyran and Jocelyn were all looking at her expectantly.

  Faedra couldn't help it, her smile turned just a tad smug. "Tomorrow I am marrying the most amazing man in all of the seven realms. I think I can look as pleased with myself as I like."

  Etyran gave Faedra a considering look. "Nah, that's not it," he said, giving Faen a playful shove. "I know the look you have when you're thinking about this great oaf." His face lit up with childlike mirth. "Nope, you know something."

  Faedra rested her chin on her hand and looked up at Etyran through her eyelashes.

  Etyran sighed. " I know that look, too. You're not going to tell us anything, are you? Gah, I hate it when you do that."

  Faedra chuckled and rested her head on Faen's shoulder. Until she saw it with her own eyes, she wasn't about to tell anyone about the energy she was sensing from the surly blue dragon. No one would believe her anyway. Faen kissed her hair and draped his arm around her. She snuggled into his embrace as she glanced around the room that was full of people who cared about them. That was until her eyes met with a frosty glare from Zaven. Faedra tensed, but a split second later, Zaven's glare had melted. The malice that was there just a heartbeat ago was gone. He smiled at the Custodian and inclined his head. Faedra's face remained impassive for a moment before she returned his smile with a tight one of her own. He looked away and continued on with a conversation he was having with one of the Valkyries. Faedra narrowed her eyes. What was his problem? Then, remembering their first encounter... Oh, yeah...her.

  "Everything okay?" Faen asked, sensing her tension. He looked down the hall and back to his fiancée.

  Faedra pulled her gaze away from Zaven and plastered a smile on her face. She placed her hand on his cheek and planted a gentle kiss to his lips. "Everything is just fine."

  "Oi, you two. Get a room," Etyran chimed in. "Oh, that's right. Not until tomorrow." He snickered and winked at the now blushing Custodian.

  "Etyran!" Jocelyn reprimanded and swatted him on the arm.

  "What?" Etyran asked in mock indignation. "I was just saying..."

  "Well, don't," Jocelyn continued. She sent her brother and his bride-to-be an apologetic look.

  Faedra held Faen's eyes for a moment, all kinds of unspoken words passing between them, then they both laughed.

  "See, it's all good." Faedra heard Etyran say to Jocelyn as Faen's lips met hers again. The rest of the room disappeared into the background.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Faedra was subconsciously running a brush through her unruly red locks as she looked out of the window from her room high in the castle. Below, torches burned in the valley outside the walls of Azran city. She could just make out the silhouettes of people bustling about under the silvery glow of the full moon. They were setting up the accommodations and arenas for the tournament that would start in just two days. Her father had explained to her earlier that the city was too small to house all the competitors, that was why he set up a mini village, of sorts, just outside the walls. It was easier for the competitors to get to each of the games they were participating in if they were all together where the events were taking place.

  Faedra smiled. She was witnessing the construction of Azran's version of the Olympic village.

  "Is there anything else you need, My Lady?"

  Faedra turned. Her maid, Erin, stood by her bed. She glanced from her maid to the bed, and, out of nowhere, butterflies danced in her stomach. Then she realized why. It was soon to be her and Faen's bed. She brought her attention back to her maid, who was waiting patiently for an answer. Faedra blinked a couple of times, willing herself back to the here and now. Faedra had become very fond of the young maid since the king appointed her, and she regarded her with warm affection. Erin had run her a bath and set out her nightgown, which Faedra was now wearing, ready for bed.

  "No, thank you, Erin," Faedra said. "That will be all for tonight. Please, get some rest. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

  Erin beamed at the princess, then looked to the chaise where she had laid out Faedra's wedding dress and accessories. "I'll be back in the morning, bright and early, to help you dress, My Lady." With a quick curtsey, she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

  Faedra looked back out of the window. Wow, was this really happening? Was she actually getting married tomorrow? It all seemed so surreal. She was a princess, and Faen would become her prince in the morning. She sighed and a crease wrinkled her brow. When they were married, that meant he could no longer be a Guardian. But, if he was her husband, and had always been her Guardian, did that mean he would still assume the role, or would the king insist they be appointed another one? She hadn't even thought about it until then, and the king hadn't mentioned it either. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about a stranger looking after her when her husband was perfectly capable of doing the job. Oh, well, she was sure she would find out soon enough.

  Faedra stopped brushing her hair and turned away from the window. Once again, she found herself staring at the bed. This time tomorrow, she would be a married woman. The butterflies skittered about in her stomach again. She was excited, but nervous all at the same time. She drew in a long, deep breath and released it slowly. Stepping towards the large four poster that occupied one of the largest sleeping chambers in the castle, Faedra lay her brush down on the nightstand and climbed in between the luxurious satin sheets. She lay for a few more moments looking up at the ceiling, an introspective smile dancing on her lips. Releasing a sigh of contentment, she turned on her side, tucked an arm under her pillow and closed her eyes. "Lights, dim," she whispered.

  ***

  "This bed is huge," Skylar squealed as she jumped up and down on Faedra's unma
de bed the next morning, fully dressed in her flower girl dress.

  "Skylar! You get down from there this minute!" Allora reprimanded.

  Faedra and Jocelyn looked at the little girl then turned to each other and giggled.

  "Aw, Mama," Skylar said as she dropped to a sitting position and scooted herself off the side of the bed. She dragged her feet towards as she walked towards her mother.

  Allora held out her hand for the little girl. "Come here, it's time to have your hair done."

  Skylar's face lit up.

  "Go, sit over there, Bree will do your hair." Allora scooted her daughter in Bree's direction with a soft pat on her backside.

  Skylar skipped over to where another young maid stood waiting with a comb in one hand and an Alice band, covered in fresh flowers, in the other.

  Erin was just finishing fastening Faedra's dress when there was a knock at the door. Faedra looked at Jocelyn who returned her confused expression with a conspiratorial smile. Whoever it was at the door, her head bridesmaid knew all about it.

  "Err, come in," Faedra called.

  The king poked his head around the door, as if requesting an 'all clear'.

  "Father? Come on in."

  The king opened the door, stepped through, and froze when his eyes lay upon his daughter. Faedra heard an audible gasp just before noticing his eyes begin to shine.

  "Father?" she prompted. Wondering what the king was doing here early. He was supposed to be there a bit later with her other dad to walk her down the aisle. She had insisted that they both do it and would hear of nothing else. The king had begrudgingly obliged her, saying at first that it was against protocol. Well, everyone was beginning to get the idea of what Faedra thought of protocol.

  The king blinked a few times and sniffed before stepping further into the room.

  "You look beautiful," he murmured. Upon reaching her, he took her face in his hands and looked at her for a long moment. "You look just like your mother."

  Faedra smiled up at him.

  Once again, he blinked a few times in rapid succession before bringing his hands down from Faedra's cheeks. After clearing his throat he said. "I've come to give you your wedding gift."

  Faedra did a quick glance around him. She couldn't see anything that he had brought in with him.

  To her surprise he took a few steps back until he was standing behind and to the side of Jocelyn. He rested his hands on her best friend's shoulders and a smile lit up his face.

  Confused, Faedra looked from her father to Jocelyn, who was also wearing a grin from ear to ear. They both looked at her expectantly, willing her to understand the meaning behind the king's gesture.

  In the next second, Faedra's eyes widened.

  "Really?" she gasped, gaping first at her father, then at her best friend. "I'm your charge?"

  Jocelyn nodded, excitement bursting from every pore.

  Faedra lunged forward and threw her arms around her friend. "You're my new Guardian? I can't believe this. I won't lose you to some far flung place, after all?"

  Jocelyn shook her head. "No, we get to stay together forever."

  Faedra let go of her new Guardian and threw her arms around her father, resting her head on his chest. "Oh, thank you, Father!" She pulled away and looked up into his still shining eyes. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

  The king smiled. "Oh, I think I do," he said. Taking a step back from his daughter, he inclined his head. "Ladies, if you will excuse me, I will take my leave so you can finish getting ready." He leaned down and kissed his daughter on the forehead. Faedra closed her eyes as she soaked in the love that was pouring out of him. Love for her.

  A little while later, all three girls were ready. Hair primped, makeup flawless, and dresses perfectly fitted. They stood next to each other in the mirror. Their reflections smiled back at them. There was another knock on the door. They turned.

  "Come in," Faedra called.

  The door opened and Henry stepped inside, followed by the king. When Faedra and her dad's eyes met, they both sucked in a breath.

  "Wow, Dad. You look...amazing. Fae clothing suits you. You almost look as regal as my other dad.

  The king harrumphed and shot his daughter a disgruntled frown. Faedra winked at him. "Just kidding."

  "Oh, darling," Henry breathed, the wonder in his voice floating across the room. "You look stunning." He sniffed back a tear. "I can't believe my little girl is getting married."

  Faedra felt her cheeks burn but she was quickly distracted by a grunt from behind her. She turned.

  Allora was pushing her ungainly, heavily pregnant self up from the chaise. Seeing the Lady struggle, Bree ran around the chaise and offered her a hand. "This is where I take my leave and go and find my husband." Allora said as she waddled up to the Custodian. Faedra leaned down and gave her a hug. Allora cupped Faedra's face in her hand. "You look radiant, my dear. Enjoy your day." Then she turned to her daughter. "And, you, little lady. Behave yourself." Lady Allora squeezed her daughter's cheek before shuffling out of the room accompanied by Bree.

  "Well, darling," Henry said. "The guests and your husband-to-be are waiting patiently downstairs. Are you ready?" He held his arm out for her. The king stepped to her other side and did the same. Faedra looked at both her dad's and blinked back a tear. No, she couldn't cry. She was determined not to ruin her makeup before she even got down the aisle. She drew in a long, calming breath, using all her will to calm the whirlwind of emotions that were threatening to stoke the already blazing furnace in her head. She held out her hands and took the offered arm on either side of her. They took a step towards the door.

  "Oh, wait, My Lady," Erin called.

  Faedra turned her head to see Erin bend down and pick something up from the chaise. She brought it over, and, seeing what it was, Faedra released both her dad's arms.

  "Thank you, Erin," Faedra said as she took the cuff that Zaven had given her as a wedding gift and placed it around her wrist. It was a perfect accent to her dress, so she had decided to wear it on her wedding day. She hoped it would go some way to thawing out the ambassador's frostiness towards her.

  "You may go now," Faedra said. "Thank you for all your help this morning. I'll see you down in the hall with all the other guests."

  Erin curtsied. First to Faedra, and then to the king, before scooting out of the door.

  Faedra returned her hands to lie on both her father's forearms. "Shall we?"

  ***

  As soon as Faedra set foot in the corridor that led to the great hall, she felt like she was going to float away like a helium balloon. The energy was incredible. This kind of energy she could handle. It was full of joy and excitement. The butterflies in her stomach flitted around with wild abandon. They continued walking toward the entrance to the great hall. Excited mumblings resonated from the enormous room and rambled on down the corridor. The soothing melodic sounds of a harp and other stringed instruments wafted down the passageway, enticing anyone in its path to move towards it. A page, who was obviously keeping look out, spotted the bride and her entourage. After gaping at them for a long second with eyes like saucers, he turned and scooted into the hall. The music changed.

  Faedra had requested that she walk down the aisle to one of her mum's favorite songs. If her mother couldn't be there to witness the most special day of her life, she sure as heck was going to have her mum with her in whatever way she could. The melody sounded ethereal being played by harps and mandolins, but the essence of it was still there. Faedra swallowed.

  Just as they were reaching the entrance to the hall, Faedra looked back at her bridesmaid and flower girl. Jocelyn and little Skylar looked perfect. Faedra felt comforted by their presence. Jocelyn bent forward to smooth out Faedra's train before they all took a step forward and stood in front of the open doors.

  Faedra drew in a long slow breath. She took a moment to savor every detail as the sights, sounds and smells caressed her senses. The feel of the plush red carpet beneath her
dainty slippers was like stepping on soft, freshly cut grass. The length of the aisle was framed by branches of flowering apple blossom trees, standing like sentries at the beginning of row upon row of chairs covered in gold cloth, accented by a bow that matched the color of Jocelyn's dress. The branches reached high above and touched together creating a living tunnel for her to walk through. Garlands of flowers were spiraled around each of the massive stone pillars holding up the roof, and the chandeliers floated overhead, their twinkling lights dancing off every surface.

  Faedra closed her eyes as she breathed in the sweet perfume of the apple blossoms, their fragrant bouquet filling the vastness of the great hall. Her father had brought a beautiful spring day inside the castle.

  "Do you like it?" the king whispered. Faedra turned her face to him. Her eyes glistened with tears of happiness. It was all the answer he needed. He smiled and faced back to look down the aisle.

  Faedra cast one more glance around the hall at all the excited guests who were smiling at her. She'd never seen it this full since the very first time she had stepped foot inside its walls. Today the hall was brimming over under much happier circumstances. Her gaze continued around the hall until it fell upon the only person she really wanted to see. Their eyes met. Her world stopped.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Faen's sparkling blue eyes spoke volumes as they soaked in the image of his bride-to-be. Had he ever looked at her like that? She didn't think so. There was something more there this time, something carnal. He looked gorgeous, her fairy-tale prince looking every bit the part. From his matching ivory doublet with the intricately embroidered knot-work, to Zaven's gift hanging at his waist, to the fitted leather breeches that disappeared under knee high, polished-to-perfection, boots. Out of nowhere, Faedra's mind pulled forward the image of her bed, their bed. Her cheeks felt like flames had just erupted on them. Why did she suddenly feel shy? Oh, yeah...that's why. Faedra pushed the thought away for now and held her Guardian's gaze. He was to be her Guardian for just a few more moments, and she was going to cherish every one of them. She hardly even noticed Etyran standing next to his best friend, doing the honors as Faen's best man. Good Lord, she didn't dare think about what the Lightbender had prepared for his speech.