Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3)

by JK Ensley

  He continued on without another word, didn’t even glance back. Jenevier jumped up, chasing after him. He had called her bluff and she hated him just a little more for it.

  Munenori looked at her sideways when she caught up to him, matching his pace.

  “Daichi will have his work cut out for him. As will I, it seems.” They walked in silence a few more paces. “Tenshi yet shares your humanity, Naga. He is your beloved son. His father is Angel and his mother is still only half.” He sighed and rolled his eyes. “Your other half, Kagi Naga, is divided equally between humanity and warrior. He should act more Angel, yet his heart is as yours once was. It’s good to see his father’s bad habits will not easily master him.” He glanced at her. “You’re the one to thank for that.”

  “And what of my second born? What of my son, Daichi?”

  “Your beloved Daichi… he is your Blessing, Naga.” At that, Munenori stopped walking and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You felt him within those sacred waters in Vanahirdem. You didn’t realize it then, yet you felt the very moment he was placed within you. That twisting nauseous little flutter? That was Daichi, not Tenshi. You were told of your blessing that same night, were you not?”

  Jenevier swallowed hard, she could taste the bile rising in the back of her throat. She kept telling herself over and over… granite heart… granite heart… granite heart.

  Her doubting mind drifted back to standing within those sacred waters while she watched her most treasured friend, dying before her eyes. That was the same night she’d brought King Merodach to Vanahirdem, healed Vittorio with those ancient words, and said farewell to her beloved Apollyon, forever.

  After she’d spoken aloud the healing words, an incredible light filled the massive room, halting time. While in that amazing transcendent state, God spoke to her, was pleased with her, and blessed her. Jenevier had always thought the glorious blessing was being allowed to become pregnant with her dark Angel husband’s only child. They had feared his seed would not take hold without divine consent.

  This was all too surreal. She refused to believe such a wild revelation.

  But… didn’t Daichi hint about this same thing, only hours ago? He hadn’t spoken with Munenori when his angry words sliced my heart open. Has he always known? Is that why he called me Naga instead of Mama? I only thought he had trouble pronouncing the word, then it just stuck. Has my little Daichi always known I wasn’t his mother, merely his vessel?

  Then she remembered the strange words Apollyon had said to her right before he was pulled back into the portal… “Listen closely to my words, beautiful Anicee. I know how He blessed you. Yet you will discover it in time. It was the greatest of blessings, my love. All other Angels will envy you. It’s a blessing that breaks my heart… and heals it at the same time. I have forsaken Father many times. No wonder His heart now stands empty in my regard. Yet you, littlest of Angels, He loves you too much. Glorious things await you. And that heals my heart as well. Keep your faith and all will be well with you and our beautiful babe. Your Blessing will love you and protect you always. God will never remove it from you. If you remember nothing else, remember these words.”

  Tears burned the backs of her eyes. Her breathing became painful in her chest. She heard Munenori’s faint words as if he spoke through a sealed door.

  “You could never again be with the dark one you loved. I’m surprised Father even allowed that to happen in the first place.”

  “Do not blame God. I have no trouble causing my own bad luck. I cash it in daily, it seems.”

  “Be that as it may. You are not a creature of hell. You could never be with its Prince. And that’s because of his many sins, Naga. Not yours. He was someone you were never supposed to meet. Yet you pleased Father. He rewarded you with your very own Angel, a brand new one with neither spot nor blemish. It’s the most sacred of all gifts, straight from Father.” Munenori turned to look at her. “We whisper about you amongst our kind. Much favor has been given you, even though you are flawed—not perfect, as are we. Many of us hold jealousy in our hearts concerning you.”

  “Umm… gratitude.” Her tone was flat, sarcastic.

  He continued walking. “Daichi knows from whence he came, as do we all.”

  “Because Angels just know?” She mimicked the way Vareilious always said it.

  “Something like that. Do not act as if you haven’t experienced it yourself.”

  “I can never accept what it is you speak of, Munenori. It’s not possible. I can never think of Daichi as anything other than my precious little boy.”

  “Not possible? You cannot even convince yourself of the truth in those words. This you know.”

  “If what you say is true, why didn’t he appear right then? Why did I have to give birth to him, raise him as my child? And how is it he’s the mirror image of my own son?”

  “I cannot answer for Father, Naga. Think upon it yourself. Tell me. Would you have accepted this great miracle if Daichi had appeared before you that very night? Would you have believed him had he spoke the words from his own mouth?”

  She knew the answer immediately even though she paused in admitting it.

  “…No,” she whispered.

  “No. And what of timing, Little Fire? You were still with your dark husband when you were blessed. You were enjoying the one day of sunlight and love God had rewarded Apollyon with. And then, after he returned to the pits, you were in mourning for him. Were you not?”

  “Yes. Yes, I was, for many months.”

  “You say it true, Naga. You denied even the ones you already loved from getting close to you.” Munenori lightly placed his hand on her shoulder for emphasis. “Placed within you, he would be wherever you happened to be, wherever you ended up, when his time was right.” He removed his hand and sighed. “Your precious Guardians haven’t even been able to locate you, have they?”

  “No. They have not.”

  “No. And tell me this, Naga. What happened to you when your babes were born? What happened inside you, in all those broken and shattered places? What did they do to you?”

  She stopped walking. “They… they healed my heart.”

  He smiled at her. “Yes. And now you have answered your own question.” He took her hand in his. “Time and love are the great healers, Little Fire. Only your lingering humanity allows you to measure things with words such as never and always. In a thousand years, you won’t see things as you do now. And in ten thousand, well… you’ll be nearing perfection.”

  “Ten thousand?” she whispered, more to herself than to him.

  “Now come, Kagi Naga. Let me show you what you’ve been given charge over. Let me show you why those gorgeous curls of yours are pink and golden. Let me present to you now exactly what you are the Guardian of, Milady.”

  Chapter 41

  Jezreel

  (zhez-REEL)

  Jezreel lay flat on her back in the soft grass—chest heaving, arms outstretched, knees bent, soaking up the nurturing rays of the blessed sun.

  Her visible wounds were starting to heal and a few of them now itched. She had to keep telling herself not to scratch.

  Alastyn had cut her hair. Shoulder length was as short as she’d let him go. She still had many bald spots, but she could already feel the stubble covering most of them. The white of her left eye was still red, but she’d noticed it looked browner today, not so bright.

  Perhaps it’ll heal soon.

  The external wounds would most definitely heal; scar, but heal. The internal ones she would always carry with her. Those were the truly scary ones. She didn’t dwell on them. Actually, she tried to avoid them at all costs. When they did happen to sneak up on her, Alastyn would find her either curled up in a ball crying her eyes out, or standing in the backyard screaming as loud and as long as she could.

  Ever since he had confessed the horrible news about Jenevier, about her death or disappearance or whatever the Guardians believed had happened to her, Jezreel had been slipping furth
er away from him. Further away from reality. Alastyn realized, when he removed Jenevier from Jezreel’s future… he removed her hope. She had nothing left to hold on to, anger ruled her, and madness was fast on its heels. He’d given her a small hatchet the last time he had found her, trembling and hoarse. It’d been the middle of the night. She was standing under the glow of a full moon, half clothed, still screaming. Her voice had left her and the sound emanating from her throat was more like the sound of dried bones being made powder within her pestle. She didn’t even know how she’d made it outside. She recalled none of it.

  “Use it on that old fence post over there the next time anger swells inside you. It will help. I promise,” he told her.

  That was three fence posts ago. Jezreel now wielded two hatchets, one in each hand.

  Sometimes, there just aren’t enough fence posts, Alastyn thought as he watched her work through this latest fit of fury.

  He was putting more wood in the two large stone pits under the bathhouse. She spent several hours a day soaking in the giant tub.

  “I cannot get clean… no matter how many times I bathe.”

  She confessed those words to him only a few days ago. It had been a particularly bad day for her. Alastyn could tell this was going to be another one.

  Sighing as he lit the crackling wood now warming the water he knew she would soon need, he mumbled to himself as he headed back into the tiny cottage they shared. “I have no idea how to heal her. Perhaps it’s hopeless now. I should never have told her about Jenevier. That was the day her light truly went out. Perhaps this is just who she is now, who she must be, simply to draw another breath. Yes, perhaps anything more is hopeless.”

  “It’s never hopeless. Especially if you look back at what you’ve both already lived through. There’s always hope. This you know.”

  The musical voice came from a white-haired man with an ageless face, leaning against the back corner of their rose-covered home.

  Alastyn didn’t give much notice to the man’s odd features. He was just relieved to see another walking, talking, breathing human. There were so few of them left.

  “Hello, stranger. Welcome to Tamar Broden. If you’re weary, come inside. I was just going to make some tea. You are more than welcome to join us.”

  “Us?”

  “Yes, Jezreel and myself—”

  Alastyn’s words were cut off when the broken woman’s beastly screams began tearing from her battered throat once again. He didn’t turn toward her. He simply closed his eyes, trying to deny his tears their desperate escape.

  The stranger looked over his shoulder at the enraged young woman swinging the dual hatchets.

  “She’s in so much pain,” he whispered.

  Alastyn slowly opened his eyes and saw that the man staring at Jezreel was looking at her with pity and sympathy. Not disdain, as he’d feared.

  “Yes, great pain. Almost immeasurable.” He turned to look at his shattered friend. “And, I’m at a loss as to how else I may help her.”

  “There is nothing you can do, my friend. Only time can heal wounds such as hers.” He paused a moment, then added, “Time, yes. And perhaps a bit of magic.” He placed his hand on Alastyn’s shoulder. “Shall I help with the tea?”

  He released a heavy sigh as he led the stranger through the back door. Alastyn began heating the water and setting out the cups. The other man watched Jezreel through the window.

  “She has fire in her.”

  “You have no idea.” Alastyn laughed softly at the memories of their tumultuous past. “Jezreel is a rare creature. She is one of very few who could have lived through such horror.” He looked up to see her attacking another post with uninhibited rage. “She’d live through it just to spite the devils.” He smiled as he went back to setting the table. “My name’s Alastyn, by the way. And that fiery young woman out there is Jezreel.”

  “She looks like she could be your daughter,” the stranger whispered, mostly to himself.

  Alastyn chuckled. “Don’t let her youthful appearance fool you. A fierce dragon hides behind that lovely, ageless face. But that’s a story for another day.”

  “My apologies.” The man turned and bowed slightly toward Alastyn. “I am Kias.” He extended his hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, Alastyn.”

  “Very nice to meet you as well. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’d better go see if I can convince her to join us.” Alastyn nodded his head toward the backyard. “But don’t hold out too much hope in that regard.”

  “Allow me, please,” Kias said.

  Alastyn looked at him warily. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. Walking up on her when she’s like this is dangerous business. I wouldn’t suggest a stranger go anywhere near her. Not right now.”

  “The love you have for your friend is admirable. But I would much prefer to meet her in the yard, as opposed to surprising her inside her home.” He smiled at the hesitant, emerald-eyed man. “I have room to run away out there.” He jabbed his thumb over his shoulder toward the hacking sounds ringing through the air.

  “Whatever you do, just don’t sneak up on her… I’m tired of digging graves.”

  Kias laughed and waved his hand as he went out the door. Alastyn stood at the window, waiting for the storm.

  The snow-crowned man kept his distance as he watched an exhausted Jezreel slow her weary swings and collapse onto scarred knees. He stayed several paces away, squatting down so he wouldn’t seem as imposing when he spoke.

  She heard his knees pop with the action, but chose to ignore him.

  “You’re rather good with an axe, Maiden. I’m impressed not only by your strength, but by your passion, as well.”

  Jezreel stayed on her hands and knees but turned to face the stranger. “Why are you in my yard?”

  He wanted to smile, but thought better of it. “I was invited, Milady.”

  “I am no lady. Who invited you?”

  “I beg to differ, Milady. And, Alastyn invited me.”

  “Differ all you like. I don’t give a damn. Your useless opinion won’t change the facts.” Sweat dripped from her nose and she spat upon the ground. “Do I look like Alastyn to you?”

  “No, Milady. You are much fairer than he.”

  “Sharpen your tongue with me, good sir, and you may find it removed.” The sweat stung her eyes; she ran the back of her arm across her forehead. “If you’re here to see Alastyn, why are you keeping company with me?”

  “I came to fetch you.”

  “Fetch me?” She snorted and laughed at the same time. “You expect me to believe Alastyn sent you to fetch me?”

  “No, Milady. He warned me not to.”

  “You should have listened to him. I’d think a gentleman as fine as yourself would’ve learned to heed good counsel by now. Obviously, you have not.”

  “I wished to meet you properly, Milady, before we sat down to tea.”

  “Is that so? Now, why would you want to meet me? And why in the hell did you think I’d have tea with you?”

  “You misunderstand, mi Sharna. I wished to have tea with you.”

  “And you felt the need to have tea now? Out here? Like this? Do you take me for a fool?”

  “In all honesty, that kitchen’s terribly small.” He motioned toward the house. “I would rather face your wrath upon the lawn, where I might just stand a chance.”

  At that, Jezreel muffled a laugh. Kias rose and held his hand out to her. She waved him away, standing on her own.

  Her laughter, even though it was sarcastic, brought a smile to Alastyn’s face. Only when he let out a sigh did he realize he’d been holding his breath.

  “Gratitude for the odd invitation, Kias. But I’ll not go inside until after I’ve bathed.”

  “Shall I bring the tea to you, then?”

  Jezreel looked at his smirking grin. She didn’t feel like playing. “I wouldn’t suggest it. Not if you wish to keep all that beautiful hair of yours.”

  His look turned from teasing
to serious. “Your hair is more radiant than sunshine.”

  Jezreel slammed both hatchets into the top of the post at the same time. “Now you’re just trying to piss me off.” She pushed past him, making her way to the bath house.

  “How’d it go?” Alastyn asked knowingly as he heard the back door open.

  “One step forward and two steps back, I suppose,” Kias said.

  “Looked more like three steps back from where I was standing.”

  Alastyn tried to stifle his laughter. He could not.

  Chapter 42

  Naga

  (NAH-gah)

  “Munenori?”

  “Yes, Naga. What is it you wish to know now?” His soft laughter was neither warm nor cold, just odd. “Your mind is racing so fast, it’s proving hard for me to keep up.”

  “Tell me of Angels.”

  She almost ran into him as he stopped short. He turned and bent down to look directly into her now crimson face.

  “Tell you of Angels?” He snorted. “Were you not bonded in marriage to an Angel? Did you not give birth to Angels? And are you not an Angel yourself?”

  She stiffened her shoulders and raised her chin. “I have been told that, yes. Yet no one has ever been able to explain Angels to me properly. I know you are an Angel. I tasted it upon your neck.”

  “Yes, you did. I was extremely surprised by your action, Naga. Tell me. Just how do you know what an Angel tastes like?”

  She paused. “I’m not certain. I just know.”

  He huffed out a short chuckle. “What you did to me was a terribly dangerous thing for you to do, Little Fire. Did you know that?”

  “No,” she whispered. “I did not.”

  “What caused you to lick me?”