Destroyed by Onyx (A Dance with Destiny Book 4)

by JK Ensley

  The Dragon puffed out a blast of hot air, blowing her many curls all around her face just as she made to take her first sip of tea. Syadar chuckled.

  “The prophecy states…”

  She looked toward the second son of the King, Prince Razeen, as he spoke.

  “…that it is your presence that will unite the whole of Byzantha.”

  She glanced at the third Prince when he softly cleared his throat.

  It’s Chazeen, Nilakanta said.

  I remember his name, she snapped.

  The Dragon blew out another puff of warm air, and multi-colored curls covered her face. Syadar chuckled again. But Jenevier only rolled her eyes and spat hair away from her mouth.

  “Apologies.” She smiled sweetly. “Please, Prince Chazeen, do go on.”

  The young man blushed. “Indeed.” He cleared his throat again. “I believe the actual words were… you will bring about a bonding with the two royal households, a binding life-vow that will blend the blood of the two houses for all time.”

  “Actually it says… ‘til time is no more.”

  Jenevier almost giggled when Chazeen rolled his eyes at his youngest brother, Prince Heilzeen, while mockingly mouthing words with his hands.

  She turned her attention back to the King. “So what you are saying is this… I am the direct descendant of a fallen Angel and my mirror twin.”

  King Taizeen politely nodded his head as she spoke.

  “And that my great-grandmother told you I would be the one to fulfill this prophecy, correct?”

  He continued to nod in agreement as he sat his teacup back onto the saucer. “That is correct. She had a vision concerning you.” He sighed. “She was so happy that day…”

  Jenevier watched as his light green eyes glassed over and then slowly filled with tears.

  “You loved her very much, did you not?”

  He blinked before meeting her pink gaze. “Yes… Her and no other.”

  She slowly shook her head, looking back down at her empty teacup, trying to find gentle words for her many questions.

  “I would never have believed the part about Shamsiel and Talia… if I hadn’t already heard of their tragic story. Didn’t know we were related, though,” she mumbled under her breath. “I cannot deny what I have seen with my own eyes.” She glanced back up at the King. “Alas, the part I am having the most difficulty with… is you.”

  “Me?” He chuckled. “You freely accept what you saw through magic’s eye. Yet you give pause to one sitting flesh before you now?”

  She smiled. “No, Sire. I believe in your existence, yes. But, tell me. How in the world did you chance to meet Bellevine? I mean… yes, she claimed a drop of Angel blood. But I’m pretty sure my family would have mentioned if she had wings upon her back. So I ask you again. How did a woman of Ashgard, even one as rare as was my great-grandmother, happen upon a Byzanthian? Neither you nor she could have entered the clouds. Am I wrong?”

  Taizeen smiled. “You are not wrong.”

  Jenevier continued to stare at the man expectantly. When he did not continue, she sighed and leaned back in her chair.

  “Very well, then,” she said. “Let’s sort this all out properly, shall we? If the prophecy states that I am the one to join the royal bloodlines, and you are apparently my great-grandfather—”

  “Yes,” Taizeen interrupted. “Your grandmother was my daughter, Princess Lazeen.”

  “I never knew her,” Jenevier mumbled. “She died in childbirth.”

  “Yes… it was tragic indeed.” The King’s gaze turned distant again. “We do not speak upon it.”

  “Nor did we,” she mumbled again. “Anyway… if I am Zeenian, how is it you await my foretold bonding with Crown Prince Alzeen?”

  No one answered. Not a single noise was made.

  Jenevier dropped her hands down on the table, rattling her cup and saucer as she stood.

  “Well… this has been a most enlightening conversation, if I do say so myself. And I would have to, wouldn’t I—say so myself, that is… since no one else seems to be able to speak. And since I am obviously wasting your precious time, I shall bid you all adieu.” She curtsied mockingly before turning to go.

  Chazeen snickered. “Yes, she is most definitely Zeenian.”

  “Agreed,” Alzeen added. “Completely consumed by her own smug sense of self-importance.”

  “As are you, Brother,” Prince Heilzeen said through an uninterested sigh.

  “I do not have all the answers you seek, young Empress.”

  Jenevier stopped at the King’s words and turned back to face him, almost bumping into Syadar with the action.

  She waited a couple heartbeats. “But?”

  “But…” he continued. “I do have the answer to one.” The King rose. “Come. I will share with you our greatest secret.” He looked to Alzeen. “Is Princess Dalazeen ready?”

  “Yes, Sire. She is patiently awaiting our arrival.”

  “Then, shall we?”

  King Taizeen motioned with a wave of his hand for everyone to follow him. Nilakanta stayed close behind as they left the palace grounds, making their way into the musical forest just east of the grand Northern castle.

  “Doll Baby is going to be cross with us,” Prince Chazeen whispered to his brother.

  “She will be fine,” Alzeen answered. “After all, Father told her we may have tea first.”

  Jenevier leaned over toward Syadar. “Who’s Doll Baby?”

  The Southern Prince only shrugged his shoulders in response, but wrapped a possessive arm around her waist. “My guess would be you, little flower. At least, that’s what I call you in my dreams,” he purred.

  Jenevier couldn’t help but giggle at her teasing chocolate friend.

  “Doll Baby is what we have always called our little sister, Princess Dalazeen,” Prince Heilzeen said as he passed them on the trail, going up to walk side by side with his noble father.

  *****

  You will not enter there, Naga.

  Jenevier only nodded her head at her Dragon’s warning words while she stared at the cave’s darkened entrance.

  “Within lies a portal…” the King was saying. “…accessible only to those with celestial lineage.”

  “A secret passageway to other realms,” Syadar mumbled. “Why have I never heard of such?”

  “It does not concern your kingdom,” Alzeen said. “It lies within our realm and opens only to us. You have no cause to know of it.”

  Syadar growled at the gloating Prince. Jenevier placed her hand on his arm and tiptoed to kiss his cheek. He smiled down at her and then smirked towards the enraged Northern royal still watching them.

  “So… Bellevine came here through that cave, and what… just happened upon a King in the forest?”

  Taizeen turned to look at her. “In truth, I was still a Prince back then. My father was dying. I had come into the forest to gather herbs to ease his pain.” He looked back at the large opening. “Something Bellevine was well versed in,” he whispered. “I heard someone giggling, talking to herself… poking mushrooms and then laughing when they shrank from her touch.” He chuckled softly. “Not being from Byzantha, she could not hear the music. But it was near deafening to me. I approached her as a cat.” A tear trickled down his cheek. “When she saw me, she threw her arms around my neck… not even the tiniest bit afraid of me. Nearly choked me, she was hugging so hard. Called me Kitty, and started telling me all about the shy fungi.” He sighed. “I was completely smitten with her, then and there.”

  Syadar gently bumped her with his arm. “Sound familiar?”

  She blushed.

  “Shall we, Milady?” Alzeen said, placing his hand on her lower back, gently nudging her toward the cave’s entrance.

  Just as Syadar grabbed her arm, pulling her away from his royal rival, a long stream of mighty Dragon Fire sliced the air just above their heads. Everyone froze. Even the forest fell silent.

  “Umm…”

 
Everyone turned to look at the blushing tiny Empress of Jinn, her booted toe digging through the thick pine needles at her feet, fidgeting hands wringing together at her waist.

  “Nilakanta said I cannot go where he cannot follow.”

  The Dragon punctuated her tiny words with another puff of hot air, effectively stirring up large amounts of forest debris around them.

  Jenevier slowly looked up at the now silent cat-people, but their sparkling eyes were fixed far above her head, admiring the majestic sapphire creature now standing right behind her.

  A smile spread across King Taizeen’s regal features. “Apologies.” He inclined his head toward them. “I would never purposely offend the Father of Magic… nor his tiny enchanting Guardian.”

  Prince Chazeen kept his gaze fixed on the seemingly smiling Dragon, but turned his head slightly and called back over his shoulder. “Come on out, Doll Baby. We will not be entering the caves today.”

  “And douse the torches on your way, Princess,” Heilzeen casually added.

  Syadar moved to stand beside her, bumping her slightly. “Ahh, my sweet Ajená,” he purred. “When you want attention, little flower, you certainly know how to get it.”

  She smiled with only one corner of her mouth and bumped him back. “It wasn’t me, Kitty. It was the Dragon.”

  Warm air suddenly hit the top of her head, sending her many curls into another floating frenzy.

  I have a name, Angel.

  Jenevier leaned her head back, looking straight up at her giant blue friend as her infectious giggles fast filled the musical forest. Yet, her growing laughter suddenly ceased when she heard Syadar gasp. Quickly looking at her shocked fur-friend, she then turned to where his admiring gaze was now fixed.

  My, my, my… Would you look at that, Naga? Rarely will you see the like.

  Standing at the cave entrance was a young woman with skin the color of fresh cream, so pale she seemed to glow. Her long hair brushed the ground when she moved. It was easily the palest shade of blonde Jenevier had ever seen.

  “She looks like porcelain,” she absently whispered.

  Nay, Empress… the finest china.

  Jenevier only nodded in agreement with her Dragon. Then she noticed the girl’s sky blue gaze was locked with the one right beside her. She glanced over at Syadar and almost giggled.

  Using only her pointer finger, Jenevier touched the beautiful chocolate man under his chin, gently pushing up, closing his gaping mouth.

  “You’re drooling, Kitty,” she teased, still staring at the blushing Princess in the cave’s entrance. “What’s the matter, Syadar? Do you really expect me to believe the two of you have never met?”

  Prince Chazeen smiled. “Father keeps our baby sister on a rather short leash.”

  “Yes,” Alzeen added. “Ever since we lost Lazeen, he has refused to let Doll Baby leave the palace grounds minus his constant companionship.”

  “Well then,” Jenevier said. “You mustn’t be rude, Syadar.” She gave the frozen Prince a little nudge. “Remember who you are, Your Highness. Your father will be terribly cross if he finds out you acted thusly in front of your royal counterparts. Go on, then,” she urged. “Go introduce yourself proper.”

  You are wicked, little Naga.

  She chuckled softly. This… coming from the most jealous Dragon ever created?

  We couldn’t be more perfectly matched had we been paired by the creator Himself.

  Jenevier looked up at him. Umm, ya don’t say…

  They both chuckled.

  King Taizeen came to stand beside her, watching as his precious daughter giggled and blushed, batting her lashes at the smiling Southern Crown Prince.

  Jenevier motioned with her chin toward the oblivious couple. “And there is the fulfillment of your prophecy, good King. Ahh… just imagine it. Their cubs will be the most glorious, most enchanting in all the land.”

  “But how can that be?’ Taizeen turned to face her. “You are the one who holds a life bond with Prince Syadar. His heart is committed to you and no longer his to give.”

  Alas, before their bond could be consummated, this tiny little Angel left Byzantha… ran away and married a rare Celtic warrior on Val Hal.

  The King looked from the Dragon back down to Jenevier, she was nodding her head.

  “It is true, Sire. I left him the very day our vow was made and I have only just returned.” She smiled, never taking her eyes off her dear friend and the fair Princess he was already holding hands with. “No, Your Highness. That beautiful man over there… he is the freest, most unbound cat in the whole of this realm.” She glanced sideways at Taizeen. “And they have been brought together… all because of wicked little old me.”

  King Taizeen only smiled.

  The happy royals made their way back down the mountainside, sparing the Angel and her Dragon not much more than a passing glance.

  Jenevier sighed. As it should be.

  Yes, little Naga. As it should be.

  She then noticed the odd stones near the cave’s entrance. “Well, would you look at that?” She scooped up a few. “I’ve never seen stones glow like these before.”

  Come, little one. Our work on this layer is done. I wish to return to Jinn, Empress. I know not why… but this place makes my scales feel all tingly.

  “Very well, Brother.” She flew up and resumed her resting place atop his shoulders. “I suppose I have put off my scolding long enough. I can hardly wait to hear all the lovely words I am all but certain Daichi will heap upon me at my return.”

  Ahh, Kagi Naga. How was it I was so richly blessed with such an impious little Guardian?

  Nilakanta was still chuckling when they entered the clouds… completely oblivious to the ever-watchful grey eyes yet following their every move.

  Protected by Emeralds

  Book Five of

  A Dance with Destiny

  Chapter 1

  “Where have you been, Naga?”

  She tossed the little bag of colored stones on the table and collapsed wearily down into the soft chair. “Read my mind, Daichi.”

  He sighed. “I was not questioning you, Empress. I was merely trying to carry on a normal conversation.”

  “Normal?” She huffed out a laugh. “On which layer of this universe, exactly, would we be considered normal?”

  “You know what I mean, Mistress.” He lightly touched the back of her hand. “You have been returned to your people more than three years now. We share the same room, sleep on the same bed. Yet, I no longer know you, Kagi Naga. You are withdrawn.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m going to take a bath.”

  Her dismissive words stabbed his aching heart. “You have another summons,” he said stiffly.

  She sighed loudly, exaggeratedly. “And just why were you keeping this little bit of news to yourself?”

  Daichi stood then and turned to face her. “I miss you, Naga. I only wished to spend a tiny moment in time with you—a blissful breath of peace. Is that too much to ask?”

  “You dream of things that will never be, Daichi.” She sighed again. “You wanted me eternally? Done. I am yours. I am immortal. I made the choice, accepted my lethal wings. I am at your side for all time. Yet, my eternal decision came with a price, one I must continue to pay. We can never have it both ways, Daichi. We were not formed with freedom such as that. Either we live and love like a flash in the pan—blissfully happy yet gone in nearly an instant—or, we live as we are. Forever we breathe, yet forever we war. Blood was my choice. I gave up on love when I accepted my fate. You would do well to follow my lead, Brother.”

  “Wise words birth wise counsel.” He bowed toward her. “I shall plant them in my heart and tend them daily, Empress.”

  “Spare me your condescending sarcasm, Lord Daichi. I grow ever tired of it. Now, tell me. Where am I needed?”

  He cocked one sapphire eyebrow as he turned to leave. “Read my mind,” he muttered.

  Jenevier rolled her eyes, shook her head,
and leapt from the high balcony.

  I hate Angels, she thought.

  Swooping down low, she let the tips of the ever-blooming lavender brush along her gliding body.

  “Sayonara, Naga Obaasan!”

  She pulled up sharp, sending an exaggerated wave to the little girl bouncing on the broad shoulders of her only son.

  “Nos da, little one. I will see you soon,” she yelled. “I left a surprise for you in my room—a little bag on my nightstand.”

  She watched as the precious little Princess clapped, urging her father to take her at once to retrieve the new gift. Tenshi smiled and waved before turning to go back inside. Jenevier returned the gesture and sighed.

  “Wow… You look good to be a mamaw.”

  She rolled her eyes when she heard the familiar voice. “Oh, just shut it, Uriel.” She turned to find the Arch right behind her. “What are you doing here? It cannot possibly be good news, that’s for certain.”

  “Ouch, your words cut me like a knife, little sister.” He smiled then and puffed out his angelic chest. “You can consider me your back-up for this one, tiny Fire Dragon.”

  She rolled her eyes, again.

  “Why do you always do thus?” he asked. “Know you not it is irritating to all who witness it?”

  “Yes. As a matter of fact, I did know that. Thus the action.” She did it again. “Tell me. Why has a mighty Arch been reduced to answering a Death Angel’s summons? A demotion, perhaps?”

  “Ah, I never tire of your advanced wit and timely jests.” Uriel rolled his eyes.

  She growled.

  “See? Is it not a maddening thing to look upon?” he said sardonically.

  She sighed. “Very well, you made your point.” She turned her head slightly and rolled her eyes.

  He yanked one of her curls. “I can still tell you are doing it, whether I see it or not.”

  “Ugh, I hate Angels,” she grumbled.

  “Yes. I believe you have mentioned such before. Once or twice.” He smiled down at her. “Now, are you ready to go?”

  She smiled brightly, batting her long lashes. “Always willing and ever eager, Milord,” she chirped.