Free Blood of the Guardian by Kristal Shaff

didn’t know, far too many unanswered questions. He wouldn’t let his hopes rise until he knew more.
    He’d turned down Megan just a few months ago, using his inability to have children as one of many excuses to end their budding relationship. In the end, it was best; Megan and Emery cared for each other, far more than either wanted to admit, even to themselves.
    Malik and Sanawen entered, both splendid in their Guardian forms. Malik towered over any human, a monster of a man with cropped, golden waves hanging down the sides of his face. He had no facial hair, with well-defined jawbones and cheeks. And like all Guardians, white light glowed around him. Even in his human form, women thought he was handsome. At least that’s what the awestruck village girls had said.
    Sanawen, the only female Guardian, had silver locks waving down the length of her back. Both she and Malik were dressed in armor: massive plate-covered chests; shining, light-infused bracers; and intricately decorated greaves covering their legs. They stood, side by side, examining Nolan.
    “Master Nolan,” Malik said with a subtle nod. “How was your journey?”
    Oh, I nearly died. And the townspeople were too afraid of me to even listen to reason. He sighed. “It was fine.”
    Malik raised a single brow.
    After a few moments, Kael arrived in his freshly pressed uniform consisting of a golden tunic, waist-length cape, leather jerkin, and knee-high boots fastened with a row of shiny brass buttons. He caught Nolan’s eyes, concern and tension lacing his emotions. “I hope this meeting isn’t about the rumors.”
    “Rumors? What rumors?”
    Kael scowled. “It’s hard to keep secrets in a place such as this, dear brother. Too many nosy Perception Rol’dan.”
    Nolan wanted to ask more, but he hesitated when Emery entered with his aqua cloak flowing behind. He didn’t join them; instead, he walked past into an open door at the far side of the throne room. “Come on,” he said as he disappeared through the door.
    The Guardians followed without comment. Kael, on the other hand, inhaled sharply, his posture stiffening.
    “What’s wrong?” Nolan asked.
    “Nothing,” Kael snapped. The lie reeked so thickly from him, Nolan hardly needed Empathy to feel it.
    As soon as Nolan entered the room, he understood in horrific clarity. The ornate tapestries. The four-poster bed. It was straight from Megan’s dream. They stood in Alcandor’s bedchamber.
    It’s where Alcandor had violated Megan, and Emery, and even Kael. It explained the reaction from his brother and why Emery had a trail of sweat running down his face and chin.
    Emery’s hand shook as he pointed toward the door. “Close it.”
    Malik obeyed.
    “Why bring us in here?” Kael asked, his voice lowered, his teeth clenched.
    Emery swiped his arm across his cheek. “The room’s walls are coated with Guardian steel. It’s the only place we can speak freely. It blocks all noise, including conversations Perception are able to hear.” His eyes glowed lightly, the purple light of his Empathy illuminating. “I’m sorry to bring you here, but it’s necessary.”
    Emery’s soothing passed over them. Kael’s tense shoulders relaxed, but only slightly; his heartbeat slowed, and he released a slow sigh. His Empathy had helped everyone, except himself.
    Emery took a stuttering breath, cleared his throat, and spoke. “Megan is with child.”
    “What?” Kael said. “By Brim, it’s true?”
    “What’s true, General?” Emery asked.
    “The rumors.”
    Emery’s brow furrowed. “Enlighten me.”
    Kael’s mouth snapped closed. He pressed his lips together, hesitating.
    “Out with it, General. What have you heard?”
    “Your Majesty,” Kael said, “people are saying you’ve been bedding her.”
    Emery cursed and ran a hand through his black hair. “And who’s spreading these rumors?”
    “Why, nearly everyone, Your Majesty. There will be no surprise when you announce your