Goddess of the Rose (Goddess Summoning #4)(43)

Mikki's brow furrowed as she frowned. But hadn't the goddess just talked about the exterior not defining the interior? Now she was saying that beauty was everything.

Hecate laughed softly. "There is more than one kind of beauty, Empousa."

Mikki said the first thing that came into her mind. "Well, you wouldn't know it by the tastes of the majority of the men in my old world."

"Why should you sound so cynical? Your form and face are pleasing, Mikado."

"That's just it. I'm pretty. I have good hair, nice boobs, and decent legs. And that's all men see. They don't bother to look deeper." Her conscience reminded her that she hadn't often given any man the opportunity to look deeper . . . to discover her secrets . . . the truth of which only made her scowl harder.

"I think there is much you can teach this realm, Mikado. And it has much it can teach you in return. It will be an adventure for you, as well as your destiny."

Mikki sighed softly. She'd only been here for a day, and already she was sick of mysteries.

"I'm here for the roses," she said, unconsciously mimicking the Guardian's words.

"You are. They are the foundation on which dreams and magick are built, as well as the boundary between worlds."

"The boundary between worlds? Do you mean that literally?"

"I do, Empousa. Roses fill this realm, and the strength of their beauty gives life to dreams and magick. Their strength also forms the border of my realm." Hecate pointed out across the gardens and made a sweeping motion that encircled them. "The edges of the gardens are bound by a great wall of roses. Past that wall is a vast forest, a kind of netherworld, which is the crossroads between reality and magick. On one side of the forest rests the ancient world where gods and goddesses are still honored; on the other your old world can be found, that of the mundane. The rose wall is what defines the boundaries between those worlds and ours. See to the health of the roses, and, in turn, all else in my realm will prosper. If the roses sicken, so, too, will this realm. You should know that this realm has long been without its Empousa. The roses need your care, and you do have other duties, too. You are High Priestess of Magick, and as such the people of this realm will come to you for advice, spells, and rituals. Be wise, Mikado, for you stand as my Incarnation. When you speak, it is my power that answers."

Mikki felt the blood drain from her face. "Hecate, I don't know anything about spells and magick and rituals!"

The goddess's serene expression remained unchanged. "Your mind doesn't know, but your spirit does. Look within, as you did last night, and you will find what you seek. No matter how things appear on the surface, follow your instincts. They will not fail you. And use your experience, Mikado. I believe I will enjoy having an aged Empousa."

"So just trust my gut?"

"Crude, but correct," Hecate said. "Your handmaidens are here to aid you, but remember - you alone are my High Priestess. They personify the Elements over which I lend you dominion. Befriend them if you will; use their powers as you need them. Just as the handmaidens are at your disposal, so, too, is the Guardian. He is a magickal creature whose powers have been pledged to protect the Realm of the Rose. If there is a problem in the realm, do not hesitate to call upon him."

Mikki felt a little jolt of excitement at the mention of the Guardian. Guiltily, she said, "But if I think the realm is in danger, shouldn't I just call you?"

"My duties are vast! I do not have time to answer your summons as if I were a mere handmaid!"

Mikki took an involuntary step back, surprised by Hecate's sudden burst of anger. "That's not what I mean. I - "

Hecate cut her off with a brisk wave of her hand. "I forget that you are inexperienced in the ways of an Empousa. I do reign as supreme goddess over the Realm of the Rose, but you and the Guardian have been given the task of caring for and protecting it. I would like to spend much of my time here, but my duties do not allow me that luxury." Hecate studied Mikki carefully. "You must not fear the Guardian. I have told you that he will not harm you."

"I know." Mikki bit her lip. Avoiding Hecate's eyes, she stared out at the gardens. "It's just that he's like nothing I've ever imagined before."

"Is he?" Hecate's voice was soft. "Didn't you tell me that you spent much of your time tending the roses in the gardens in which he slept, frozen in the form of a statue?"

Mikki nodded her head. "Yes."

"Well then, how could he be like nothing you've ever before imagined?" Hecate said matter-of-factly.

"I suppose when you put it like that . . ." Mikki's words trailed off doubtfully as she turned back to the goddess.

"There is no other way to put it," she said briskly. "He stood silent watch over your roses then. He does the same now, only not so silently. If it is easier for you, simply forget that he is a beast - think of him only as a Guardian." Not giving Mikki time to answer, Hecate continued, "Excellent. I must leave you now. Break your fast and then call the handmaidens to you so you can be dressed and begin the day's duties. The roses have gone too long without the touch of an Empousa. They are in need of your care. Remember, follow your instincts, Mikado. Allow your spirit and the knowledge held in your blood to guide you, and you will do well . . ."