Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3)

by JK Ensley

  “Perhaps, but yelling real loud and searching with wingtips always seems to do the trick.” She winked at him as her lethal pinions spread forth from her sides.

  “Oh, Jezreeel! Come out, come out, where ever you are!” She sang as loudly as she could.

  Alastyn joined in her playful song as they held hands and skipped through the ancient trees of the vast Mangladune forest. Hitting each other with mushrooms and laughing like children.

  “I should say you two could very nearly raise the dead with those screeching voices.”

  “Izadori!” Before Alastyn even thought about what he was doing, he had the elegant Elf wrapped up in his arms.

  “Well, well now. It’s deliciously nice to see you again too, my handsome friend. Yet, I have never seen you smile like this. Does the Angel bring you this much joy? Or is it my presence that lightens your heart so?”

  “Oh, Izadori, I want you to meet someone—”

  “This must be your enchanting Angel.” The Elven Princess finished his words for him as she narrowed her eyes, glaring at the girl who had been holding hands with her sister-in-law’s dearest friend.

  “Yes. Izadori, this is Jenevier. Jenevier, Izadori.”

  She graciously bowed to the smirking Elf woman, holding her right hand up to her chest. The same as she had learned to do from her sensei, Munenori.

  “Ahh, you greet me as Mother of Dragons. My, my… You get more interesting by the moment, tiny Angel.”

  Jenevier tried to ignore the chill in the Elven woman’s voice, but it wouldn’t take much for it to get the better of her.

  “Well, I’m not as interesting as all that. I have never birthed a Dragon. So feel free to refer to me as their Guardian. Not their mother.” She gave a mocking curtsy.

  “So, the stories about your sharp tongue prove true as well,” Izadori said.

  “Are those the only stories you’ve heard?” Jenevier laughed dryly. “Then I should say the good ones would positively curl your dainty little Elven toes.”

  Alastyn looked from one woman to the other, confusion and anxiety tightening his chest.

  He put his arm protectively over Jenevier’s shoulders as he spoke cautiously to Izadori. “I wished only to let Jezreel know her childhood friend had returned to her once more. Is it possible we could see her this day?”

  “I’m not entirely certain she has the time,” Izadori said. “I believe my brother is keeping her rather busy. It seems all night wasn’t quite enough to satisfy the new lovers. But if I should see them leave their home this day, I will definitely mention your unexpected visit.” Izadori didn’t look at Alastyn as she spoke. Her heated gaze remained locked with Jenevier’s.

  Jenevier cocked one eyebrow. “Don’t put yourself out, little Tree Princess. I can easily see to the matter myself. I was simply trying to show you some respect. A friendly courtesy, you might say. Since that doesn’t seem to be the way things work around here, then all the better for me. Besides, asking permission has never really been one of my things. Not one of my stronger attributes.” And with those words, she turned into Vashti and beheld the forest with her true Angel eyes.

  She took hold of Alastyn’s hand. “Come. It’s this way.”

  “And just where do you think you’re going?” Izadori demanded.

  Jenevier spun on the other woman, flashing her ethereal ruby eyes. “Don’t do this, fair Princess. Do not bare your teeth to me. Show your great wisdom in this thing, not your feigned ignorance. You will not stop me from going where I please, when I please, or seeing whom I please. Jealousy doesn’t become you, Elf. Hinder me further and I will rain hell down upon your sacred trees. Now, kindly open this place to his eyes.” She nodded her head toward Alastyn. “Before I force you to do so with my claws.”

  Jezreel’s joyous screams pulled Jenevier’s attention away from Izadori’s haughty scowl. Her mask faded as she ran to meet her dearest friend from another life.

  Alastyn remained frozen. First, from the fear Vashti’s threat had caused, then from the enchanting city now spread out clearly before his opened eyes.

  “My, my. Your angelic little love can be a bit of a demon, can she not?” Izadori chirped in Alastyn’s ear as she ran her arm through his, leading him into Arbordell, the once hidden city of the Elves.

  No one noticed the lovely young she-Elf hiding in the nearby treetops. But Trelaina noticed them. She had watched their heated exchange with interested eyes. And it pleased her much more than it should have. Her smile was cold and calculating as she dropped to the ground, silently following the strange little party into the heart of her forest home.

  Alas, Trelaina’s spying eyes weren’t the only ones interested in this bizarre reunion.

  He stayed far enough away to remain perfectly hidden. From this distance, Jenevier couldn’t sense him and no one upon the whole of layer four could see him. The odd creature did not interfere with her glorious homecoming. He simply watched her—ever curious, ever fascinated.

  His gray eyes had remained fixed upon her since the moment the final apocalyptic battle had reached Jinn. He beheld the deep horror as it played out, morbidly so, on that bloody day. She had rarely left his sight from that moment to this. Not an easy thing to accomplish when the target of your desire is constantly surrounded by heaven’s Angels, ethereal Guardians, and magical Dragons.

  Jenevier had proved to be his toughest assignment to date. Yet, a more enticing target he had never known.

  Destroyed by Onyx

  Book Four of

  A Dance with Destiny

  Chapter 1

  She placed a shaky hand over her racing heart. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. I’ve missed you so much. There are so many things I want to tell you, so many things I want to share with you.” Tears filled Jezreel’s eyes. “We both ended up going on with our lives, separately, without the other one. I never imagined that could ever happen to us.”

  “All is well now, Sharna.” Kias ran his hands through his wife’s silky hair. “Your angelic friend has arrived just in time to celebrate with us, to join in our love. You get to share the most important part with her. Be thankful in that.”

  “Yes, that’s right.” She grabbed Jenevier’s hand. “Oh, please tell me you’ll stay for our wedding feast. It’ll be the saddest party imaginable if you’re not there.”

  “Of course we’ll stay.” Jenevier hugged her again. “The whole reason for us coming was so I could see with my own eyes just how happy you were with your handsome new husband.”

  Jezreel only blushed while Kias made a low sweeping bow toward her friends.

  Izadori latched on to Alastyn’s arm. “Come with me, Raven Hair. There is much I wish to show you.”

  “Umm… I’m sorry, Izadori. I’m here with—”

  “Do not let me halt your fun, old friend.” Jenevier interrupted his excuse. “Jezreel and I have lots of catching up to do.”

  “Yes, and I promise you’ll be bored out of your gourd with us,” Jezreel said with a giggle.

  “You should go enjoy yourself.” Jenevier leaned in closer to him and whispered, “It’ll do you a world of good to release some of that pent-up sorrow. Let a little joy back in that big old heart of yours.”

  Alastyn pulled her to him and whispered softly, “Couldn’t you tell, my love? That’s precisely what I was doing in the forest with you, before Izadori found us. We were laughing, truly laughing together. Promise me you won’t wander too far. And swear by every curl on your head you will tell me before you leave.” He tightened his hold on her for emphasis.

  “I promise, swear, and vow, valiant knight. Don’t worry about me leaving you unawares anymore. I will not part with you in secret or silence, ever again. If I go, you will know in advance, dear one.” She lightly kissed him on the cheek.

  Satisfied, Alastyn released her with a smile and set out arm in arm with the feisty Elven Princess to explore their wondrous city.

  Jenevier made to go with Jezreel but Kias took both
her hands, turning her to face him. She stared at his onyx eyes, feeling a bit unnerved at the sight of them.

  “I have heard so much about you, Lady Jenevier. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.” He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on each cheek. “My lovely wife credits you for all her rare beauty.”

  Jenevier stepped away from the admiring Elf and took one of Jezreel’s hands in hers. “It looks like you have done much more for her than I.” She looked at her old friend. “She is ten times the beauty I could ever hope to be.”

  “Oh, now you’re just being silly.” Jezreel giggled, squeezing her hand.

  “I feel safe in saying we have equally healed her,” Kias said as he reached for Jenevier once more.

  She stepped back quickly, causing Jezreel to give her a rather quizzical look. Kias didn’t seem to notice, he only moved closer still.

  She held her hand up to halt his advance. “Please don’t come any closer. I do not wish to seem rude. I only pray you will honor my request.”

  Kias tilted his head to the side, furrowing his brow in confusion. He reached for her. She dodged him again, slipping behind Jezreel.

  “Jenevier, all is well. He only wants to make you feel at home.” Jezreel lovingly ran the backs of her fingers down Jenevier’s glowing cheeks. “The Elves are very touchy-feely people. There is no harm meant on his part. Please do not take offense. They speak as much with their bodies as they do with their words.”

  Jenevier turned to her friend’s royal husband. “Apologies, Prince Kias.” She bowed toward him. “But my apprehension is born from a caution to my touch, not yours. I do not wish to make a ripple within this sacred forest, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my dearest friend in the world. So if you will, listen closely to my words. I am poison to all who touch me, especially men. Please honor the space between us and know that I love you as a brother. If I did not, I would let you embrace me without pause.”

  He returned her bow. “A truer friend could not live. Mi Sharna is blessed with your devoted love. As am I. Although I must admit, I do feel as if I am slighting a beloved sister. Yet if it is for your comfort, I will withhold my affections.”

  “Gratitude, Kias. It seems I do not fare well around rare men who hold great magic. Jezreel is blessed with a charming husband, fair to the eyes, and as beautiful an Elf as I have ever seen. I do wish we could embrace as family. Perhaps one day we shall. Just, not this day. In truth, I’ve never touched an Elf. I know not what effect we would have upon each other.”

  “Ahh, but Elves hold great magic… even where Angels are concerned.”

  The melodic voice coming from behind her and the soft hands now holding the backs of her arms, caused Jenevier to go stiff, halting her breath within her.

  “Father, she wishes to stay at a distance, physically.” Kias smiled as he spoke. “Her heart is not withheld from us. I believe it only gracious we respect her wishes.”

  “Kias, my dear son, she was invited into our home.” The Elven King leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I believe it would be a travesty on both our parts if we did not at least try to obey the customs of our ancient race. Especially this day. You agree, do you not?”

  His warm, musky breath was hypnotic. He ran his hands down her arms and then slid them around her waist, embracing her from behind. Jenevier looked at her dear friend, but Jezreel was beginning to blur before her eyes. Her voice was barely above a whisper when next she could speak.

  “Do not cast your spell here, Milord. The loss of you would be a tragic thing for your people.”

  She swayed slightly. He only tightened his arms about her.

  Jezreel could see the fear filling her dear friend’s beseeching eyes. “Father, please release her,” she quietly pleaded.

  “I cannot, sweet daughter. It seems her magic matches my own.”

  The Elven King brushed his lips across her neck and buried his nose in her curls.

  Jenevier spoke to her friend through a dizzy haze. “Jezreel… remove his hands… before… before he dies.”

  She grabbed Jenevier just as Kias wrapped his arms around his noble father, pulling them apart with great effort. The spell was broken.

  Jenevier forcibly released the breath she had been holding and bent over double, resting her hands upon her knees… gasping loudly in-between words. “Why… can men… never… listen?”

  “I’ve never felt anything like that before.” The King swayed again, his son held fast his arms. “What are you? And do not say Angel. I know Angels.”

  “I am blended.” She coughed as she tried to fill her lungs. “I warned you, did I not?”

  Alastyn came running out of nowhere, snatching her up in his arms. “What have you done to her? Who’s responsible for this?”

  “All is well, my brave knight,” she whispered. “You can put me down now. It was just a misunderstanding.”

  He gently lowered her to her feet, tucking her behind him as he turned to face the Elven King.

  “Lord Dofarel, is what she says true? Was it an accident? Or does she now have to cover for your selfish actions?”

  The King ignored Alastyn as he tried to look around him, searching for the colorful little Angel that now filled his mind. “What do you mean… blended?”

  Alastyn cleared his throat, drawing the ancient man’s attention. “She is formed from a mighty Guardian, birthed by a noble woman, and remade together with the Prince of Hell. She is Mother of Angels, Guardian of Dragons, Empress of Jinn, and God’s own Death Angel.”

  “And His healer as well,” Jezreel added.

  “Yes,” Alastyn continued without breaking the King’s shocked gaze. “She is the Angel of Mercy and the Angel of Death. She is both light and dark. She is the embodiment of heaven and hell. If she says she is poison unto you, heed her words.”

  “Apologies.” Dofarel inclined his head toward them. “Elves hold great magic. We can effortlessly commune with all beings. My arrogance alone has caused your discomfort, Empress. I humbly ask your forgiveness.”

  Jenevier stepped out from behind her valiant defender. Alastyn wrapped a protective arm around her waist, pulling her close, keeping his body between her and the King.

  “Do not bow to me, King Dofarel. I am the uninvited visitor amongst your people. It is my arrogance that has caused your discomfort, Your Grace.” She placed one hand in front of her chest as she quickly bowed and made ready to go. “Gratitude for your gracious hospitality, noble Elves, but I must take my leave now. I should not have come here. Alastyn.” She reached for his hand as she called his name.

  “No, Jenevier,” Jezreel cried. “You must stay. Please… for me.”

  She couldn’t bear the tears in her friend’s lovely eyes, she embraced her fully. “I am so sorry,” she whispered.

  “You greet me as a Dragon Lord?” The King took one step closer to the hugging girls. “Are you the one they call… Naga? The one I’ve heard whisperings about upon the wind? Are you the bonded rider of the great Nilakanta, first of his kind?”

  “I am Kagi Naga.” She bowed again, in her half-praying manner. “And yes, Nilakanta is mine, as I am his.”

  “So it’s true, then. You are the delicious poison all races have been warned about.”

  “I am the same.” It hurt her heart to have to admit it so plainly.

  “I humbly beg you to stay and participate in our Celebration of Love for your friend and my son. We will heed your warning and honor your wishes. I only pray you do not think ill of us if we don’t treat you as a normal guest. Take it not upon your heart if we do not lavish our usual kind of attention upon you.”

  She released a relieved sigh. Her smile beamed. “Gratitude, Your Majesty.”

  And once again, after witnessing these strange events, Trelaina slipped away unnoticed.

  *****

  The celebration was indeed lovely. She couldn’t remember ever seeing Jezreel quite so happy, and never had she seen her smile quite so big. Her heart swelled at the l
ove this noble race shared with one another. Their songs were the stuff fairytales were made of. The Elves danced and played as carefree children.

  Jenevier partook in the delicious meal with them, and drank more than her fair share of the divinely sweet wine. She danced only with Jezreel and Alastyn, although, King Dofarel did manage to talk her into one rather festive dance, one that involved no touching at all.

  She noticed Alastyn spent a great deal of time with Izadori—dancing, laughing, holding hands. She crushed the sharp pang of jealousy she had no right to feel and turned her attention back to the happy newlyweds.

  I cannot remember being surrounded by this much joy, this much love, this much merriment. My dearest friend is truly the blessed one of our pair. She sighed aloud with her thoughts.

  Alastyn plopped down beside her, breathless from the last dance, and noticed the dreamy look in her eyes as she watched the happy couple spinning around gaily to the magical music. He was entranced with her, as he always had been, and pulled her closer.

  “Jenevier, I have waited my whole life to hold you in my arms like this.”

  She watched as his handsome face drew nearer. When he closed his eyes, she gave in to his sweet wine-tinged kiss. She had kissed him in her dreams so many times. Alas, those dreams could never compare to the reality of this breathtaking feeling of euphoria. When they finally parted, he rested his forehead against hers and just smiled.

  “It was so much better than even my fantasies.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing,” she whispered.

  Their giggles were caused as much by the wine as by the enchanting kiss they had waited nearly twenty years to experience. He fell back onto the many pillows surrounding the seemingly endless banquet table and pulled her onto his chest.

  Without thought, Jenevier did the most natural thing in the world to her… she licked his neck. Only when she heard his breath hitch did she realize what she had done.

  When she finally mustered the courage to lift her eyes and meet his gaze, she gasped when she saw the intense passion burning wildly in those magical emerald orbs.