Read Online Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian by Jenn Nixon - Free Book Online Page B

away. Only hours before he had smiled at her. A few days earlier, he had shared stories with her. Her cousin was dead. Now, his body was an empty shell. His voice would not call her name. His laugh would no longer resound in her head. His spirit ascended to the Eternal Lands to watch over the family, as had the spirits of all others who had gone before.
    Anger, more than sadness, filled the room. The emotions were so strong she had trouble concentrating. Tiva tried to block them, or suppress what they were feeling, but it became too overwhelming. An attempt to control her feelings was futile. The deep sadness filled her, and the tears she shed did little to alleviate the weight she carried.
    The bellow of the king’s voice shattered the peace of the hall. Tiva forced herself to listen.
    “Today we have witnessed an atrocity against those who protect this great land of ours. Those who do not wish to follow the laws set forth by our ancestors, and those who wish to seek other means of leadership have sent their message.” Delos pulled off the band around his head and stripped the robes from his back. “I speak to you now, not as king, not as your leader, but as a man who breathes the same air as you. We have seen many cycles of peace. The last battle among the provinces of Abennelp brought death and poverty to every family. Every effort must be taken to avert another war. Each man, woman, and child has the ability to keep peace alive, but it is our job…our responsibility to protect those outside these gates.”
    A clamor of chatter agreeing with the king’s words echoed through the hall.
    “These fine men and women did not die in vain. They performed their duties and died honorably fighting to protect the people. Yet, their deaths are tragic and pointless. No one suffers needlessly any more. No one goes hungry. No one has cause for want. Whatever the reason for this attack, it will be uncovered, and those responsible will be brought to justice. My faithful army…my Royal Guardians, keep your senses sharp, your eyes open, and your swords at the ready. Serve with pride, honesty, and love. Serve with honor as was, as is, and as will be.”
    “By guardian light, I will protect you in times of darkness until the bitter end,” the collective group of legionnaires and guardians responded and saluted. The king saluted back and the group began to disperse.
    The king.
    She was unsure how or why she sensed him as strongly as she did. Tiva stood next to her mother waiting for the others to leave, saw a guardian approach and whisper in the king’s ear. King Delos’ eyes went cold and still. His markings grew blacker than any others she had ever seen. She shuddered at the emotions flooding her mind. The king was furious, and she felt everything he wished to do to those who killed his men.
    She grew dizzy, turned cold. Her mother spoke, but the words were lost in the air. Tiva’s legs buckled and she fell to the ground.
    “Tiva!” D’laja screeched.
    Litru rushed to her mother’s side immediately. Several other guardians and legionnaires scurried to help. King Delos parted the crowd, pulling High Healer Riin toward her. Riin took Tiva’s hand and checked her pulse.
    “I’m sorry…” King Delos said to her mother.
    “Stop your thoughts,” Tiva mumbled.
    “What is happening?” D’laja said.
    “She is overloaded,” Riin said.
    “What does that mean?” D’laja said frantically.
    King Delos picked Tiva up in his arms and carried her through the crowd. A line of people followed. The king entered his private chambers and gently placed Tiva on the couch. The twins hovered behind D’laja, the king and healer.
    “I want my father…” Tiva said.
    Healer Riin moved beside her and pulled out a hand held scanning device.
    “What are you doing?” D’laja said.
    “D, calm down please,” Delos said.
    “Harer, what does he mean, overloaded?”
    “Tiva is very gifted, you know this. Zenid sent me a report during their