Chapter Thirty-Three
How Could There Be Love Without Freedom?
A week was probably more than Will should have hoped for with actually enjoying her summer holiday on Metamoor.
It was calm. And that put her on edge.
After what happened to Achilles, Elyon made sure the frog had either the guardians or Matt with him during his 'task' that took him from the queen's side. As they were all people that could protect the little frog in case some people wanted to treat the familiar like they treated his master.
They all agreed to rotating and helping the kid, as he was always determined to do his task on his own as it was his 'job', meaning they just tagged along on his mini adventures. It was really just a token position, with Elyon giving him simple tasks that were still overall helpful. There were some highlights for everyone involved, though.
Cornelia spent time with him, showing him the basics of botany so they could cultivate a new royal flower for Elyon's reign. Will helped him find and name all the dozen stable cats so they could start tracking their health and make sure they were well fed, as there wasn't much vermin to hunt with Elyon's magic keeping things pristine.
Hay-Lin showed the frog the basics of color theory and how to decorate for parties, getting him a planner to write all upcoming events in. Taranee and he showed the kitchen staff Earth based tips and tricks to reduce food waste, with him making pamphlets to hand out to them. He and Irma started a daily castle news update that blasted in common areas with magic speakers that ended up with a mix of complaints and praise. And Achilles and Matt made 'inspirational songs' they invited the castle's children to come sing over said speakers. Again, leading to a mix of complaints and praise.
Achilles, still new at life, loved almost every second. He even went above and beyond, naming every random creature that he found living on castle grounds and making detailed notes about where each lived and if they were 'cranky', 'less cranky', or 'bitey'.
The only part he enjoyed noticeably less was interacting with the castle guards.
He hid as they passed, either behind who was with him or by shifting to his frog form. They all assured him he was safe, but that helped little, as he just grew upset, apologizing like he was wrong for feeling very valid fear.
The incident was ultimately seen as a misunderstanding, as someone had almost assassinated Elyon the day before and the guards reacted as they were trained. With Raythor, Caleb, and Vathek getting most of the heat, as they were in more senior roles.
It was still a hard pill to swallow that they just… moved on.
That was the curse of magic. It could heal Achilles' wounds, repair the courtyard, and so on, so not a trace was left of what happened. Just what festered inside. What was now misplaced, as there was no reason left for the pain, as magic had cleared it all away.
So Achilles felt guilty every time he flinched at the sight of a sword. Every time the clink of armoured boots made him freeze and hold his breath. Every time a guard that wasn't even a part of what happen tried to greet him and he just looked down, not able to hold their gaze.
Because everyone just moved on and too many of them expected him to do the same.
It was wrong.
Will knew that.
But she also knew that there wasn't much else to be done other than what little Elyon had decided.
Vathek being discharged was a shock to everyone. He was the first core member of the rebellion to receive a 'harsh' punishment. His fellow guards all argued that he was acting based on reasonable facts. And it bothered Will that it was 'reasonable' to do all that just because it involved Phobos sitting on a bench comforting a child.
Still, Elyon was firm and sent Vathek away to what she hoped was a less charged and more peaceful life. Will knew they would well care for Vathek, as he still played a big part in the kingdom's growth over the last decade.
Raythor was angry. He argued that Phobos having a moon opal frog familiar was beyond just dangerous. That they were letting the frog's human-like appearance tug at their hearts and let them ignore what the prince forged him for. Because Phobos didn't make a familiar to run around and save fairies from being tangled in thick brush. No. He made that war beast that savaged them, made a creature that was meant to fight for the prince's freedom one day and kill them if they got in the way.
"I mean, yeah," Irma said, sitting at the meeting room table. "That's pretty obvious."
It was just the queen, her council, and the guardians. It was the day after interrogating the mage. Elyon had decided on Vathek on her own beforehand and sent him away at dawn. That only angered her council, as they wanted a say.
"But," the brunet went on. "That's not what happened. Achilles is nice. Like too nice."
"He killed two guards the first day he was contracted, was planning on killing more staff, spied on all of us for days undetected, and laid waste to the courtyard almost killing dozens more," Raythor said, dryly.
Taranee spoke up, not liking that black and white assessment of what all that had happened.
"He stopped your poorly screened guards from inhumanely maiming someone under your charge, whom were being manipulated by the Children of Good Fortune, a cult none of you knew had infiltrated your castle for years. He rooted out cooks willing to place poison on the same table as your queen. His spying later saved her life, as he was the reason Phobos knew to act when he did. And he defended himself because you scared the ever loving shit out of him," Taranee ended with anger, glasses flashing with fire. "Seems to me he's been more effective in dealing with this cult than any other person in this room. And that's really sad, don't you agree?"
Caleb shifted. He had accepted his role in what happened, agreeing if he was to be Elyon's war adviser, he needed to have better control over the guards confronting a child and magically subdued prince.
Still, he answered honestly, "Phobos has shown to still be a danger. Just because his plan to make a familiar backfired, and he ended up with… that boy. It doesn't change his intent."
"And that's why Achilles is never to be left alone with him," Elyon answered. The window behind her was repaired, and Will could see runes etched in the glass. "His life isn't to be weighed by the circumstances of his birth." She sighed. "A lesson Metamoor desperately needs to learn."
The meeting didn't go too well, as now they had an additional problem on their hands.
Elyon never filled the role of spy master on her council, seeing that as a more negative role to staff. Now, she realized that error as the council had no connections to network with to locate the cult hiding in Meridian's underbelly.
"What about Miranda?" Cornelia cautiously offered, knowing how sensitive Elyon could be about her once false childhood friend. "You know she's not my fav person… but she's good with things like this."
Elyon nodded. "I will consider it. She was eager to help with our problem with the duchess. She may fill the role well, if only to spite her mother."
Will stayed quiet, not having much to offer.
The fact she came so close to killing Achilles was unnerving. Because, even if she wasn't aiming to kill him, he was already severely wounded, and a direct blast from her could have ended him.
Phobos was right, and Achilles held nothing against her. More upset he landed a direct hit on her. Though, after being healed, Achilles expressed an interest in getting to know Matt, as he tried to keep the peace, even using his powers to divert several arrows from hitting the frog. Achilles seemed more drawn to people like Matt and Elyon. Those with massive magical powers who used it more for protection than attacking.
While he clearly loved Phobos, he spent the week following Elyon and even Matt around like a lost puppy when he wasn't 'working', soaking up their every word. Phobos didn't object to his familiar's new like of his girlfriend's old flame. Well, he just complained about the frog bag Matt gave him, saying it was an offense to all fashion in all the realms. Overall, Phobos accepted the fall out of what happened well.
To well.
Will wasn't stupid.
Phobos had grown attached to his familiar, and watching him viciously attacked, unable to lift a finger to help, was monstrous. But everyone just accepted Phobos moved on so easily because it was… Phobos. And that wasn't fair. He was allowed to be mad. Horrified. Wronged.
Because he was wronged.
And all that happened was they sent Vathek to retire and only Elyon had control over Phobos' bonds.
They should be removed.
It was proven, beyond a doubt, Phobos needed his own magic to protect himself, to protect Achilles. Even having Elyon and Will under the same roof was not enough to stop his torment. No, he needed his freedom.
And Will… Will knew he still sought it.
His words as she fell asleep, with him at her back and Achilles in her arms, haunted her. And it's what made her do what she did.
Was it guilt? Shame?
Whatever it was, it was heavy and thick in her heart, weighing her chest down. Making it hard to sleep. To eat. To think. She knew Phobos noticed her behavior, and joked with her to make her laugh and relax.
He kept calling her good.
But how good was she watching him tortured every other week?
At some point, he wasn't the problem anymore, and they did more harm than good, denying him a chance to defend himself.
Why not share the pleasures of his flesh with us as well?
To let us know how the sinner atoned?
Sick.
Just so sick.
And she wouldn't let that happen to him.
It shamed her. Knowing she was so dead set on being a part of the interrogation, that she didn't listen to him asking her not to. He didn't want her to hear every detail of his humiliation. But she was set on rooting it all out because she was still treating him like Prince Phobos, the greatest threat to magic, where they needed to know even his damn bathroom breaks to plan castle sieges. And she wasn't treating him like Phobos, her lover, who asked her to not go.
She understood what Matt was asking of her now.
About not always being second in her life.
And maybe she could save her new relationship before it crumbled apart like the last.
So, midweek, when she opened a portal to Earth for the guardians and Matt to crossover and run errands, she snuck back to Metamoor. Feeling Xin Jing's approval, Will hoped the Oracle understood as he watched.
In Elyon's office, Xin Jing disabled the wards that would have alerted the queen. It was only from the ancient nymph guiding her, she could enter undetected.
Quickly, Will searched and found the black circlet in one locked drawer she opened with a zap that compelled the latch to turn. She sat it on the table and placed the bone one she brought from her almost forgotten stash of circlets. Xin Jing answered her call, guiding her hands as she weaved a spell Will otherwise would have never known. She felt earth and fire at play, moving and reforging the bone into black stone. It was quick, and they looked identical. Only one lacked a magic charm. The nymph fixed that as well, giving it a strong rain charm, one that could call an instant down pour. It would be hopefully enough to fool Elyon if she checked it for magic. Will replaced it and locked the drawer with another zap of quintessence.
Taking the real one, she went back to Earth.
There was still hours before they were do to meet up, so alone in her apartment, she stared at the circlet, knowing she couldn't give him it, as if he was caught with it, it would be another reason for people to distrust him.
Well, they would always distrust him, so why overthink it now?
"Xin Jing, not a word of this to the girls, 'kay? I don't want to drag them down too."
The Heart shined, agreeing, and she guided Will's hands once more to reshape the circlet.
Will laughed, not believing what Xin Jing guided her to make. It made sense, as it was the smallest thing possible for him to wear and easy for him to hide.
Still….
Will went about with her errands, calling her family, getting supplies, checking her house plants. She knew there was more she could do, but the item in her jean shorts pocket was all that she could think about.
When Will was woken up by Taranee, saying the guards were requesting the guardians and Elyon at Phobos' room in the dead of night, she first selfishly thought they caught her. Then realized it was far more likely Phobos suffered another attack.
She grabbed a robe and stuffed the reforged circlet in its pocket, not wanting to leave it as she joined the girls in the hallway. They all teleported to his door in their pajamas and rushed in as Elyon arrived in her nightdress.
Phobos, in his sitting room, was standing in his sleep pants, open robe on his shoulders, with his arms crossed. He looked annoyed, glaring at Will as she entered.
"About time," he grumbled with a deep yawn. "Get your creature off me," he demanded, lifting his right leg and shaking it for effect.
They all exchanged glances, confused, seeing a young girl clinging to the prince's leg. Achilles was attached to his other, who wasn't about to miss his chance to play with the normally solemn prince.
"My… what?" Will said, looking at the little girl, feeling a sense of familiarity but not able to place her.
Only Hay-Lin gasped, jumping up and down from the excitement of her revelation.
"Do you guys remember when we saw the visions of the five nymphs years ago?" she called. Seeing their blank faces, she waved her hand, calling on her illusion powers. Her gentle magic turned in the air, taking color and shape, to show five ethereal women circle the room in an graceful dance.
Elba, N'Ghala, Tea, Oneide, and Xin Jing.
Hay-Lin guided the ghostly form of Xin Jing to float next to Phobos.
Well… shit.
The image vanished, leaving just the child-like version of the nymph.
"Xin Jing?" Irma called, shocked as the rest of them. "That really you, babe?"
Xin Jing looked at her and, unexpectedly, turned her head away, refusing to look at her. Small cheeks puffed up so much they turned red.
"Uh, okay," Irma drawled, confused as she looked at the surrounding people. "What did I say?"
"I think she's still mad about, you know, the whole Heart and Matt debate," Hay-Lin said, trying to get the little girl to look at her, only for her to stubbornly tuck her round face into Phobos' robes, arms and legs tightening their grip.
"I do not care why she is upset with you all, just remove her from my leg," Phobos demanded, trying to shake her free again, only leading to the girl giggling. He stopped, growing flustered by the unwanted attention. He looked expectantly at Will.
"Um, hey, Xin… Jing? You need to let Phobos go, okay?" Will called, worried the nymph wouldn't listen.
But she did, cheeks expanding in a wide pout again as she teleported to Will, floating next to her with her arms crossed and a loud, offended 'humph!' at the group.
Remembering her time trapped in the magic void with the clingy girl, Will was nervous about a return trip, so she pulled the nymph to her.
Be firm, she thought, remembering how well she responded to Phobos at the first formal dinner.
"Xin Jing," she said, trying to do her best 'now listen here young lady' voice. "Be nice. Remember, we're all friends?"
She settled down, nodding, putting a small hand on Will's shoulder. Will still felt their connection and she pulled, guiding her to slumber. The Heart glowed and Xin Jing dissolved; the body she used nothing but magic. Will touched the Heart, feeling her settled, and then let herself finally freak the fuck out.
"What the hell was that!" she yelled, looking around in a panic, pulling at her own short hair.
"You're asking us?" Cornelia balked, shaking her head. "You're the Keeper! This is your mess!"
"My mess! How is this my 'mess'?" she demanded, waving her arms at the idea she was at fault for Xin Jing showing up now, of all times.
Taranee pointed out, "The Oracle said she was getting too active."
"Active is different from that!" Will rebuked, pointing to where she was just clinging to the still grumpy prince.
"Manifesting like that is technically being 'active'," Taranee evenly shot back.
Elyon let out a long, defeated sigh and looked up at her best friend. "Cornelia, do you remember saying how great this summer would be? Having the guardians here like old time?" She looked so done with their shit that Will suppressed a laugh as she loudly added, "This is too freaking too much like old times! There is a magical crisis like every two days!"
She pointed at Will, making the red-head jump back. "And now Will's let a literal goddess loose! How do you think that cult is going to handle that!? There will be shrines build over this!"
"That is true," Phobos unhelpfully agreed.
Will glared at him, and he just shrugged.
Why was she getting so much heat from everyone!? Oh, they are all a team until a goddess shows up, then it's 'Will freed the deity' that and 'Will started a cult' this! Just rude!
"Well, it is true," Phobos rubbed in, not hesitating to point out her role, even if it meant siding with his sister. "Metamoor being the first place Xin Jing reformed herself shall not just be ignored. That creature is a god to near the entire universe. This planet included. This can either make or break Elyon's reign. One sign that Xin Jing dislikes her and more than that cult will call for her removal."
"She doesn't dislike her or any of them," Will argued, worried things were about to get a lot worse. "She's just being a brat."
Irma doubled over and let out a deep belly laugh. "Girl! You just called the being that gives us all our powers a brat! That's not a good sign."
"Achilles," Phobos called suddenly, looking down at the boy. "Release me."
Sheepishly, he laughed and let go.
"Tell me, was tonight the first time that creature came to you?"
Achilles shook his head. "No," he admitted, little claws toying with the ring at the bottom of his hair. "She showed up a few days ago. I caught her trying to steal my bag," he said, with no trace of annoyance or anger. "I promised her I would use my first salary from working to get her one. She was happy and wanted to show me magic."
"She talked to you?" Taranee asked, intrigued now that the shock was wearing off. "She stayed mute with us."
Achilles frowned. "Not talk with her mouth, but with magic. I just know what she wants to say. She said something, once, but it hurt my ears and head. I didn't understand."
"Her words are only for her chosen one," Phobos clarified. "Just like N'Ghala can only speak to the Oracle, she can only speak to Wilhelmina."
"Why would she want to steal Achilles' bag?" Irma asked, now amused at the unfolding events. "Petty theft seems below a god, you know?"
Phobos turned to Will, eyes hot. "I told you she was feeling neglected. As much as you are obsessed with frogs, and therefore Achilles, that creature is your first priority."
"Oooo," Irma excitedly gasped, stepping back as everyone else looked nervously at Will. No one talked shit about her love of frogs. "Shots fired, guys. Stand back or get wrecked."
Will's jaw dropped. She loved Achilles the same amount as any other person there! Yeah, the first time he transformed with his new bag and, as it wasn't made of magic, it changed into a tiny frog backpack… she might have run home and got her phone for an hour long photo shoot.
But he was a tiny frog with a tiny frog backpack!
"I'm not obsessed with Achilles! It's call quality time!" she defended, now thinking of getting him a tiny frog beanbag chair for him to sit on. And maybe a tiny frog sweater. And a tiny frog bed. And-
"You failed to notice that creature leaving your side for nights now to seek Achilles," he pointed out, breaking her frog themed train of thought. "She took notice of him because of you. This will make him more of a target, bonding with the nymph."
More of a target?
For… oh.
Oh.
He was worried.
"Guys," Will called, her anger leaving her, now understanding his sour mood. "Do you think you can give me and Phobos a moment? And take Achilles?"
"Yup!" Hay-Lin answered, able to feel their emotions, and used a gust of wind to collect the frog and push everyone to the door. "Take your time!" Then, very panicky to Taranee, "Close any connections now!"
With the door slammed closed, Will walked over to the prince, placing a hand on his folded arms.
"Phobos, I know you're worried for him. It's been a wild week," she gently said, pulling his hand free.
Phobos took hers and let her guide them to sit on the couch, still tense.
"I worry not just for him," he said, blue eyes troubled. "This… this is not good for you. This is clearly what Kandrakar had been trying to avoid. It shall cause instability across the realms. There shall be no reason to listen to the Oracle or his council when there is a nymph among them."
"But," Will calmly argued. "She's not really among them. Like her body is the Heart. She's just making a fake one to walk around in. I didn't sense she was gone from the Heart because she wasn't."
"I understand that," Phobos acknowledged. "But very few others shall."
Will nodded, taking his hand and kissing it, remembering their time at the beach and realizing how far they had come since then. "I.. know. I know how people view the guardians. View me. It comforts them. I never understood why Cornelia always entertained it. I thought she was being kinda big-headed. But it helps keep people calm and happy, seeing the people who protects them. Letting them show their gratitude."
She smiled, worried about the future of the man before her.
"Do you trust me, Phobos?"
Phobos raised a brow at the slight change in topic.
"Yes, I hope I have made that clear by now," answered the prince, taking her hand in both of his.
"Yeah, you have."
"Is something wrong?" he prodded, hand tightening on hers.
Will looked over at him; his messy bed hair, his pale skin, his worried blue eyes.
"You came so far in a few weeks, you know?" Will said with a smile, heartbeat picking up. "And I realized all you needed was someone to treat you… like a person. Not a curse. Not a prince. Not a villain. Just a person. And I… I… don't want to lose you," she forced out, pressure building behind her brown eyes. "I want to say I'll protect you and Achilles and save the fucking day, because that's what the guardians do. And you even let me in, knowing how fruitless it was. Fighting this, because you have been fighting this your whole life and… how big was my ego thinking I could change that? When I'm just making it worse."
Will told him what they omitted. What the mage said about why she harassed him.
"That is not your fault," Phobos quickly defended, bothered. "It is insane to think you are at fault for that."
"No, I know I'm not at fault. I just… It just made me realize you need to protect yourself. Weira failed you. Elyon has failed you. I… I won't."
It perplexed him as she reached into her robe pocket and pulled out a black metal ring.
"I never told Elyon about you having access to your magic. I was confused. Why did you use it just that once? And when you didn't use it to break your bonds while Achilles was… attacked, I realized you were wearing your circlet before."
He picked up the ring, turning it over before slipping it on his left middle finger. It shrunk to fit, and he grew still, eyes closed.
Opening them, Phobos stayed quiet, letting her go on.
"I trust you, Phobos." She took a shaky breath, knowing she was jumping in the deep end so soon, but seeing how she just risked her entire magical life for him, she knew it was real. "I love you, and I want you to be happy. Even if that's not here with me."
Ah, this man, she thought as he consumed her in a scorching kiss
He growled against her mouth, "Do not think you will ever be free of me."
She laughed at that somewhat aggressive statement. "That's how I thought you would respond."
Understanding she needed a proper, less charged, answer, Phobos held her close, mouth glued to hers as he admitted, "I think of you every minute we are apart." He kissed her cheek. "I adore your smiles and even your tears." He kissed the corner of her eyes. "There is a warmth in my chest when my eyes meet yours and it soothes me. Like nothing has before." He pressed his hot forehead to hers. "Your laughter is music. Your cries of pleasure a symphony."
His blue eyes were all she could see. He was all she could feel.
"Your love is a blessing. One that has let me want for life again." His hand cradled her cheek so softly. "I had thought I didn't understand love, that it was lost to me like my mortal life. Yet, here you are, my keeper, my Wilhelmina."
He kissed her.
"My one true love."
Will awoke at dawn.
After their confessions, they found his bed, and the rest was a heated, messy blur. They both were frantic to prove what they said and spent the night worshiping the other.
It did not surprise Will that Phobos was awake. He likely didn't sleep well. His love confession would not erase his traumas overnight.
And she accepted that.
He was putting the work into figuring himself out and live a better life. And Will was willing to be patient when he slipped and be there when he needed her.
Laying on his back, his left arm was bent up behind his head as he held her close with his right. He was staring out his open patio door, gaze lost. The red silk sheets were draped over their lower half's, making the warm summer sun welcomed company on her bare skin.
Phobos lifted his hand, looking at the light catching on the black metal ring for a long time.
"Morning," she called, breaking his trance.
Phobos turned to her, a content smile breaking across his face.
"Good morning, love."
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, so we gonna be all cutesy and sappy now?"
He chuckled. "Why, yes. Sickeningly so."
Will laughed. "After poor Taranee had to shut down the mental link when we started going at it… I don't think they'll appreciate too much lovey-dovey stuff in their face."
"Then it seems were are doomed to never leave this room," he joked, playfully rolling her on her back, making her giggle. "As I plan on letting all the realms know your heart is mine. Just as mine is yours."
Will grinned, face hot in a good way. "You do that. As I think that's a better use of your time than good old world domination, buddy."
"I am capable of both," he defended with an indignant scoff, faking hurt. "Do not underestimate my devotion to both you and my new drive to once again rule so I can ban those hideous bags Achilles and Cecilia now have."
"Phobos!" she admonished. "Don't you dare tell him you think it's ugly! He loves it. You could tell Cecilia. She'll probably just tell you to fuck off," she joked as she lightly slapped his shoulder.
Phobos smiled, kissing her.
Their bliss was short-lived as next to them a portal opened, showing the hazy image of a place Will knew very well.
They glanced at each other, Phobos' expression now uneasy, and she felt his grip tighten on her. She understood his worry. That she might walk through that portal and never return.
Because she had that same worry in her, too.
Will smiled, trying to stay calm, leaning up to kiss his cheek, savoring his closeness, his touch, his smell.
"I'll be back soon, Phobos. Promise," she whispered, waking Xin Jing. "Kandrakar is calling."
