Angel Incarnate: Second Sight (18 page)

Chapter 26

After Dahnael’s
departure, Michael left to meet with the other archangels.

When he arrived at the
Council’s chambers, Jeziel was already present. Looking at her was like seeing
a female version of Lucifer. They shared the same curly auburn hair, but her
eyes were a honey brown, while his were indigo.

Her hands trembled, yet
her voice remained even. “Why have you called me here today?” she asked.

“We have an assignment
for you. You will be leaving Heaven to serve as a guardian to Hespa’s son,
Elijah, in Aeden,” Michael said. “This decision did not come easily for some
who fear you may be tempted to join your father once you are away from our
protection.”

Jeziel sat in silence,
as Michael’s words echoed in her mind. Since her father’s exile, she was under
constant scrutiny by some of the angels, and shunned by many more. Now, she
couldn’t believe, she was finally going to be given her freedom.

“I have always been faithful.
When Lucifer and my brother were banished, I could have followed them. I chose
to stay here,” Jeziel said. “It has not been an easy path for me, but I have
never faltered.”

“That is the precise
reason you have been given this opportunity. You won’t be traveling alone. My
son and Alannah will also be leaving for the mortal world, though they will be
staying in Savannah with Joseph and Jack.”

Jeziel had heard the
rumors about Avriel being reincarnated, but she didn’t believe it. Angels
didn’t come back from death, not even an Angel of the Tier. It would be cruel
to allow Alannah to believe her mother was alive.

Jeziel was fond of the
little girl, and her father, Aidan, was one of the few angels who didn’t snub
her. She hoped he would eventually move forward with his life and take another
wife. That would never happen if he thought Avriel lived.

“Will Aidan be guarding
someone else?” she asked.

Michael did his best to
evade the question. “Alannah has not spent much time on earth. Jack and Joseph
have volunteered to help her become acclimated to this new environment.”

“Aren’t you afraid that
when Alannah sees Aura, she will think she is her mother?”

Michael gave her a
cursory glance as his thoughts invaded his mind.

Even though you have heard about Avriel’s reincarnation, you
still don’t believe she is alive. Perhaps once you meet her, you will see the
truth for yourself. My son has befriended you, but he will never love you in
the manner which you desire. His wife’s memory may be lost, but that is merely a
temporary setback. Esra has assured us Aura will remember her past. I hope you
can accept that.

“Paul and Adam have
constructed a small cottage a short walk from Hespa’s cabin. It is quaint, but
should serve your needs.” Michael handed her a satchel. “You’ll find some
clothing here; more belongings are already waiting at the bungalow. Do you have
any questions?”

“My duties are to keep
Elijah from harm, is there anything else I will be responsible for?”

“The Guild will deal
with all other matters. Your father will more than likely send an emissary to
ask for a meeting with you. I hope you have the fortitude to disregard any
offers which may lead you to stray from your path.”

Jeziel relaxed enough
to smile. “My father hasn’t known me in years; I doubt he will want to know me
now. I won’t forget the vows I took as a guardian. I know who I am, Michael.”

“The others should be
ready soon. Gabriel and I will accompany you to Hespa’s home. Paul is waiting
there. Afterwards, we’ll take my son and Alannah to Savannah.”

Jeziel looked at each
of the other archangels, who had remained silent during the discussion. She
spoke solemnly. “I know you may not have any confidence in me, but I will prove
my loyalty to you, and Heaven. I did not choose my parents; they were chosen
for me. As callous as my father may be; his sister was equally as loving. I
hope to follow her path.”

“If your resolve
weakens; seek help from the Guild and their children. They are there to advise
you.”

Jeziel ran to Michael and
wrapped her arms around him. A single tear slid down her cheek. “Thank you,”
she whispered. “I know you still believe in me. I won’t disappoint you.”

As they came upon the
Council’s chambers, Esra sent Alannah ahead. She grabbed Michael’s son by his shirt
sleeve. “Remember who you are,” she warned. “I can only block so much of Aura’s
visions.”

“I understand.”

“Michael has decided to
send you and Alannah to Savannah for a short time. It will give Jeziel a chance
to get to know her charge. If there are any problems, she has been advised to
seek out the Guild. If they are unavailable, and you see her wavering, I’ll
expect you to notify the Council before it’s too late.”

“Do you really fear she
will entertain her father after all this time?”

“She is Lucifer’s
daughter; only time will tell.”

The smile on Jeziel’s
face brightened when she saw Aidan walk through the door. Even if they weren’t
staying together, just knowing he would be close, gave her a sense of comfort.

“Are you ready for this
journey?” she asked.

“I’ve spent some time
on earth, but Alannah will have to get used to eating and sleeping. Did they
tell you time is different there?”

“Is it slower or
faster?”

“They say one day in
Heaven or Hell, is a thousand days on earth, though I’ve never actually tested
that theory.”

Jeziel tried to stay
focused, but Aidan always made her laugh. Even in her darkest moods, he would
brighten her spirits. That was why she loved him so much. He didn’t care if
Lucifer was her father; he accepted her for the girl she was.
 

She hoped their
relationship wouldn’t change when he arrived in Aeden and Aura entered the
picture. Jeziel couldn’t bear knowing Avriel’s ghost might come between her and
Aidan.

Then, there was Alannah
to consider. She was always polite to her, but if she believed Aura was her
mother, she would make Aidan believe it too.

I’ll just have to prove to Aidan his father is wrong, and
Avriel isn’t really alive.
 
Aura is a
half-blood; she couldn’t be his wife. Esra and Avriel were identical twins, so
it would stand to reason that Aura looks like her grandmother. Yes, that
explains it perfectly.

“What are you smiling
about?” Alannah asked, unnerved by Jeziel’s sudden joy.

“I’m just glad to be
going on an adventure with you and your father.
 
I can’t wait to see all the wonderful cities I’ve heard about. Maybe
Paul will allow us to visit London, or Paris. Wouldn’t you like that?”

“The only place I want
to go is Aeden. That’s where my mother is,” Alannah said.

“You’ll be stopping in
Savannah first,” Esra reminded her. “You’ll love the old plantation. Did you
know I lived there once?”

Esra didn’t often show
emotion. The sparkle in her eyes was short--lived. Any reminder of her life on
earth brought back memories of her husband being captured while trying to
rescue Avriel’s daughters. When Lucifer discovered who Fionn was, he kept him
alive and took him to Hell. The children were protected, but Esra couldn’t
escape the visions of her husband’s constant torture at the hands of Mortriel.
 

Alannah wrapped her
arms around her mother’s twin. “Mommy will bring him back. When she rescues
Alorrah and Alexis, Fionn will be with them.”

Esra smiled, and picked
up the small angel, pulling her into a tight embrace.

I have lived too long and seen too much. I wish I could spare
you the visions; not all of them are pleasant. Such is the life of a seer.
Being in your mother’s company will be good for you.
 
I can’t wait to hear you laugh again.

She set Alannah on the
ground. “I think Gabriel and Michael are ready to go. Remember what I told you.
You have to be patient.” Esra kissed Alannah on the cheek, and then moved to
stand beside Uriel.

After taking her
father’s hand, Alannah waved to the rest of the Council. With a crackling sound
and a flash of light, the five of them began their descent towards earth.

“Do you still intend to
block Aura’s visions?” Uriel asked.

“She isn’t ready to
know about Aidan, but when she meets Alannah, she will remember their bond.”

“What of the other children?
Do you think Aura will attempt to rescue them?”

“A great many things
will happen. Regrettably, Aura will experience a great heartbreak. There is
nothing I can do to lessen it, but she is strong and will survive.”

Esra sighed. “Her
family has always looked to her for guidance because she is such a calming
force. Soon, she will come into her own powers, and then, there will be a
reckoning.”

Not waiting for a
response from Uriel, Esra walked away.

Returning to the exact
location where Mortriel took Avriel’s life, the clearing was still painted gold
with the blood of her sister. Drawing in a deep breath, Esra lay on the grass
and closed her eyes.

The scent of freesia
and lavender filled her lungs with a sweet, familiar fragrance. Mockingbirds,
nesting just over the horizon, were lamenting in song; they understood her
broken heart. Despite the ache, Esra found solace there, or perhaps it was
because she knew what the future held.
 

As she ran her hand
over the golden stain, her thoughts drifted to Aura.

Soon, you will know the past which we have kept from you
these last seventeen years. Just a little while longer, and then, our family
will be whole again.

Chapter 27

When Meredith awoke,
the morning sun was still absent. She found Henry’s side of the bed empty, the
sheets undisturbed. Wondering if he saw her sleeping off the wine, and decided
not to bother her, or whether he failed to come to bed at all, her temper began
to flare.

Throwing off the floral
comforter, she shuffled into the bathroom. After splashing water on her face,
and then relieving herself, she returned to find one of the young maids had
already laid out a change of clothing.

The long, green velvet
dress suited her, and after quickly running a brush through her hair, she
picked up the broken tiara from the dresser. Tucking it into a purse, Meredith
walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

When she arrived in the
living room, she found Henry asleep on the sofa. Lying on his back, his clothes
were wrinkled, his hair disheveled, and he had one foot still on the floor. He
must have passed out drunk.

I’m glad one of us enjoyed the wedding reception.

Meredith looked around
the room and after setting her sights on a silver bowl and platter, she decided
to drop them on the coffee table across from the sofa. Landing with a loud
clang, Henry bolted off the couch.

“Bloody Hell -- what in
God’s name do you think you’re doing? Couldn’t you have had the decency to wake
me gently?”

“Since when do you
sleep in the living room like some drunkard?” she bellowed. “What will the
servants think?” Most of the girls were in the next room, where Meredith
suspected they were snickering behind her back. “Get yourself cleaned up. We
need to have a conversation with your son about his behavior yesterday.”

Henry forced a laugh.
“Since when has Richard’s behavior bothered you?”

“I’m not speaking about
Richard; I’m speaking about Caspian. Now, go upstairs and make yourself
presentable. I’ll expect you in the dining room in half an hour.”

As the governor walked
towards the stairs, she followed.

“It would behoove you
to be on time. Keeping me waiting, won’t improve my mood,” she warned.

Hurrying won’t improve my hangover, and I’m quite used to
your moods after forty years of marriage.
 
“Make sure the
girls bring two carafes of coffee and make it strong. I have a feeling, I may
need it.” He tiptoed up the stairs, holding onto the banister for support.

One of the servants had
been in the landing and heard the conversation. By the time the governor opened
the door to his room, there was fresh water in the basin and towels on the
nightstand. A clean suit of clothes hung over one of the winged chairs.

Henry exchanged a
knowing glance with the young girl, who curtsied, and then hurried out of the
room.

 
The early morning sun crept across the valley,
casting a bright silhouette over Desiree’s limp body. Using her arm to shield
her eyes, she turned over to find the other half of the bed empty. The sheets
still rumpled, Richard had kept his promise and was already gone.

As soon Desiree’s feet
hit the floor, she had to hold onto the bedside table. Her head was still
spinning from all the champagne she drank the night before. Moving slowly
towards the bathroom, she turned on the shower, hoping the cool stream would
alleviate her hangover.

Plunging her head into
the water, her thoughts returned to the previous evening, and a smile creased
the corners of her mouth.
 
It wasn’t the
wedding night she anticipated with Caspian, but she had no regrets about sharing
her bed with Richard.
 

Then, her joyous mood
turned sad. Meredith still insisted Richard marry Renatta, and though there had
been no formal announcement of an engagement, she knew it would be forthcoming.
In the meantime, she would savor every second with her lover.

Perhaps Caspian and Renatta will both meet with unfortunate
accidents. Then, Richard and I could be together, and Meredith won’t have any
reason to refuse our being together.

She lathered the sponge
and washed off the remnants of the previous nights tryst.

I can still be with Richard, as long as we’re discreet. Maybe
I should return to Paris. There, no one will spy on us, and we can be open
about our relationship.

Pulling one of the
towels off the rack, she began to dry her body. Her mood had already improved,
and she no longer felt hung-over. In fact, she was ravenous.
A good hearty breakfast, and then I’ll walk
to the village and do some shopping.

By the time she stepped
out of the bathroom, the maid was knocking on the door.

“Pardon me Madame, but
would you like the room freshened up now?”

Desiree responded with
a nod. She wished she could have brought her mother’s servants to care for her.
They knew her so well; they would have had her clothing laid out on a chair,
waiting.

It was better they weren’t here. If they had seen Richard
sleeping next to me, there would have been hell to pay with my mother. She
expected me to work things out with Caspian, but he never gave me a chance. I
refuse to apologize for loving Richard.
  

Desiree sat at the
vanity and began to work the knots out of her locks. Watching her struggle, the
young maid took the brush from her hand and gently worked it through her hair.
When all the tangles were gone, her tresses were woven into a stunning French
braid.

Content with her hair,
Desiree slipped into a long-sleeved brocade dress. She opened the door and made
her descent down the long spiral stairway, having no idea what waited for her.

Henry hurried to wash
up, so he could join Meredith in the dining room. He desperately needed some
coffee, but also wanted to be present when Caspian and Desiree came downstairs.

There was no reason to
delay the lecture he knew was forthcoming, but at least he could attempt to
defend his son’s actions. After all, Meredith was the one who started the fight
by slapping Paul’s youngest daughter.

Henry chuckled to
himself.
I had no idea Willow was so
powerful. Hopefully, my wife will consider that the next time she raises a hand
to one of the children of the Guild.

As he took his seat at
the head of the table, he noticed the broken tiara lying next to Meredith’s
teacup. No doubt, she would complain about that too.

There were home-made
biscuits, platters of bacon and eggs, two carafes of coffee, and a pot of tea
on the table.

As one of the servants
filled his cup, Henry leaned back in his chair. He kept his head down, trying
to avoid eye contact with his wife. Keeping silent, he waited for the onslaught
of verbal abuse to begin.

When Desiree sauntered
into the room, taking a chair beside her mother-in-law, Henry couldn’t help
noticing her hands shaking.
  

He finally lifted his
head to gaze at his wife. It was the first time Meredith had smiled that
morning. “I trust you had a pleasant evening?” she asked. “Did my son apologize
for his dreadful behavior?”

Before Desiree could
respond, Joshua and Will came into the room, plopping into the chairs next to
Henry. After loading their plates, the young servant smiled at the boys, until
the scowl on Meredith’s face sent her running out of the room.

Meredith called her
back. “This food is cold. Have the cook prepare something fresh, and be quick
about it!”

“You don’t have to take
your anger out on her,” Joshua said. “She hasn’t done anything wrong. Why do
you have to treat the girls like they’re second class citizens? If their
parents were still alive, they wouldn’t even be here.”

“Your father and I
brought them here because they had nowhere else to go. We provide them with food,
clothing and a place to live. In exchange, they are expected to earn their
keep, and as long as I am head of this household, those girls will remember
they work for me.”

“You’re wrong – this is
my father’s home, and most of the girls are counting the days until they can
inherit their parent’s estates, and get as far away from you as possible.”

“How I treat my
servants is none of your business. Now, your father and I have family business
to discuss with Caspian and Desiree, so you’ll have to ask your friend to
leave.”

“Haven’t you heard?
Caspian and Axel left last night after the reception,” Joshua said, enjoying
the scowl on his mother’s face.

Meredith dropped her
teacup, sending shards of shattered porcelain to the floor. She stared at
Desiree who was fidgeting in her chair and biting her bottom lip. Then, a flood
of tears began streaming down her daughter-in-law’s cheeks.

 
“Did you know about this, Henry?” Meredith
demanded.

“Of course not; I was
rather drunk last night from the wine. I’m sure Caspian had a good reason for
leaving so abruptly,” he said in defense of his son.

“This is inexcusable,”
Meredith bellowed.

She clasped Desiree’s
hand.
 
“Don’t worry, my dear; we’ll send
Richard to bring him home. Leaving you alone on your wedding night to go off
with that thug; I’ll see to it Axel is punished when he returns.”

“Didn’t you hear what
Paul said about the angel-bloods, Mother? Someone has to warn them before
anyone else dies,” Joshua said.

“Whatever happens to
them is none of our business. We all make choices, and if they choose to live
amongst the mortals, then there is nothing we can do for them.”

Joshua threw his fork
on his plate. “C’mon, Will; we don’t need to listen to this. We’ll get
something to eat at one of the restaurants in town. Or better yet, we’ll go see
Analie. I doubt she’ll mind having company for breakfast.”

At the sound of her
daughter’s name, Meredith’s posture stiffened as she flashed a cold smile.
“Yes, why don’t you run to your sister? You can stay there for all I care.”

“That’s enough,
Meredith. My son has as much right to be here as you do,” Henry said. “Now, I
suggest you calm down. I’ve heard being angry all the time can lead to
wrinkles.”

Joshua grabbed the
tiara and placed it on his mother’s head. “You might want to wear this; your
horns are showing.”

The tea Will was
drinking shot out of his mouth, spraying Meredith’s face.

Before he could offer
an apology, her nostrils flared and he could see the veins pulsing in her neck.
“Get out, now!” she barked.

Knocking the chair to
the ground when he stood, Joshua grabbed Will by the arm, and they ran towards
the front door.

“Wait,” Meredith
shouted. “The business of this house stays in this house. You will not speak of
Caspian’s absence to anyone, especially the townspeople. Do I make myself
clear?”

“Don’t you think
they’ll find out sooner, or later?”

“Richard can locate
Caspian and tell him his father has summoned him back to Utopia.”

A derisive laugh
escaped Joshua’s throat. “Yeah – like Richard wants Caspian to return. Everyone
knows the marriage was a joke, including your daughter-in-law. Desiree has made
no secret about who she loves. Don’t worry, Mother; I’m sure Richard will be
more than happy to keep Desiree cozy and warm on those cold winter nights.”

Desiree’s face reddened
and she dipped her head in embarrassment.
He
couldn’t know; he stayed at Will’s last night. Richard and I were careful. He
is probably just speculating.

The servants brought in
the fresh food, and Meredith quickly dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
“Where is Richard?” she asked her husband.

Henry shrugged his
shoulders, but Desiree, who was still sobbing quietly, responded. “He had a
business meeting this morning.”

Nathali strode into the
room. “Yes, I recall Father speaking about it yesterday.”

I know you spent the night with my father, but we can talk
about that when we go to the village after breakfast.

After taking a seat on
the other side of her grandmother, Nathali winked at Desiree, who flashed a
grateful smile.

As soon as they were clear
of the house, Joshua slowed his pace. “Did you notice how nervous Desiree was?
I’ll bet ten to one Richard slept with her last night.”

“Do you think they
would have risked being together on her wedding night?” Will asked.

“You know my brother.
What do you think?”

“What will happen if
she becomes pregnant? She won’t want to get rid of the child, if Richard is the
father. But if everyone knows Caspian didn’t consummate the marriage; they’ll
know whose baby it is.”

“At least Caspian will
have a good excuse to end the union, and then maybe we can even get Richard
banished. Since we don’t know where Caspian and Axel went, or when they’ll be
back, we’ll just have to wait.
 
I agree
with Analie; we need to keep our eyes on my sister-in-law.”