Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3) (27 page)

“That’s because you’ve been strong since birth, Jezreel.” He smiled and placed a hand upon her shoulder. “It’ll take more than a few demons to break you.”

“True. And yet I am merely mortal. Not made of the enchantingly magical things my lovely sister is. Magic was once a mighty force in this universe, Alastyn.” She half smiled. “Do not count her out so easily.”

The wind picked up softly, blowing away the sickening stench of decay surrounding them.

They both breathed deeply of the fresh air, filled their lungs with the pureness of the gentle breeze. The healing taste of hope blessedly mingled with it.

“Yes. I believe in magic. I believe in love. And I believe in destiny,” he whispered.

Alastyn closed his eyes and smiled.

Chapter 36

Jenevier

(ZHEN-ah-veer)

Jenevier rolled over and gazed at the majestically beautiful Angel sleeping next to her. She ran her fingers through his curly sapphire locks, rubbed the tip of her nose against his. When he opened those sparkling blue eyes, her heart swelled with pride, near to bursting with love.

“No mother has been so blessed as have I. What did I do to deserve two perfect Angels of my very own?”

Tenshi closed his eyes and snuggled up against her, which muffled his words. “Because,
you
are perfect, Mama.”

“You have grown so fast, my love. You will soon be the size of Vareilious. You very nearly already are.” She chuckled. “I’ll not be able to keep you hidden away forever. Your heart is as big as all creation, Tenshi. It would be a shame to keep it locked away.” She ran her fingers through his lovely hair again. “I dread the day maidens are allowed to look upon your beauty.” She pretended to growl. “I’ll have to hurt them or scare them away. I don’t want them to touch my baby Angel.”

“No maiden can steal me from you, Mama.”

“Perhaps… for now.” She tickled his ribs. “Your body may be that of a man’s, but you are yet my little Tenshi on the inside.”

He grabbed her hands, holding them still until his laughter ebbed. “Why do you compare me to Vareilious and not my father?”

She was taken aback by his question. “I know not. Perhaps your broad shoulders brought him to mind. Your curls are mine. Your coloring is your father’s. And your eyes are your own. I did not compare you to your father because… I know I shall never see the two of you together. Yet one day, I hope to see you stand next to your warrior brothers in Vanahirdem.”

“Then name me Vittorio, Mama.” He shot her a teasing wink. “I like the way your heart races when you think of him.”

“Tenshi, that’s not so. And it isn’t nice to make fun of your poor mother.” She lightly tapped the tip of his nose. “Surely I taught you better manners than that, young one. I am gloriously happy to be eternally bonded with Varick. This you know.” A distant look clouded her eyes. “I love him without question. I always have. I would lay my life down for that incredible man… as he would me. And besides all that…” She kissed his forehead. “My heart only races for you and your brother now.”

“You cannot hide such things from me, Mama. You love Vittorio. I know you do.”

“Yes, as I love your father and my precious Varick, as well.”

“And that raven-haired boy,” Daichi said as he entered and sat down on the edge of her bed.

“It’s not right for boys to pry into their mother’s heart, pulling buried ghosts from proper tombs.”

Daichi cocked one eyebrow. “Why are they buried? The men yet live, do they not?”

“I know not, Daichi,” she whispered. “But I hope they do.”

The beautiful blue Angel kissed her cheek and then her forehead. “Now then, are you feeling better, Naga? More like yourself?”

“Yes, Daichi. I’m sorry you had to shoulder my tears, son. I wished to never burden you so.”

“My shoulders exist for no other purpose than to bear your burdens and bring you peace.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “And I
will
kill him, Naga. He will most certainly die before we leave this layer.”

“Don’t bloody your lovely hands, my son. Mine are beyond cleansing. I will see to the deed myself… if it is right that I should do so.”

“Right or no, Musashi
will
die,” Tenshi snarled.

Jenevier was shocked to hear such venom in his normally timid voice.

Daichi chuckled. “Well, well. It seems my big brother has teeth after all.” He could never pass up the chance to taunt his meeker twin. “Why don’t you put such threats into action and take up your sword? You will never become a warrior if you remain coddled in your mother’s bosom.”

“I prefer Mother’s company to yours, Brother. You’re always so cold and harsh, while she is warm and loving.”

Tenshi snuggled against her once more, keeping his eyes closed but not able to contain the smile teasing Daichi brought to his face.

“Oh, so those fantasies about Mika… are they because
she
is so warm and loving?” Daichi countered.

Jenevier stiffened at this little revelation.

Tenshi looked up and saw the horror cross his mother’s face before she hurriedly pushed it away. He growled at Daichi. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“What? Do you think your desires are hidden from Naga? Silly boy, she knows everything. Where is your little girlfriend, anyway?” Daichi yawned, falling onto the bed beside them. “I only came in here because I couldn’t find her.”

Jenevier jumped up, wild eyed, panicking. “Did you say Mika was gone?”

Daichi rose up on his elbows. “I did not say she was gone, Naga. I only said I couldn’t find her. What’s wrong? What do you sense?”

“I sense nothing, that’s the problem,” she said. “Have you ever lost Mika before?”

“No. I only assumed she and Tenshi were hiding again.” Daichi cut his eyes toward his brother, a wicked smile tugging at one corner of his mouth.

“Jealousy does not become you, Brother,” Tenshi said lazily as he rose from the warm bed. “I’ll go find her, Mama. She’s probably just playing by the waterfall again. Sometimes it drowns out the
thoughts
.”

Jenevier followed Tenshi outside, watching as he lithely dove into the pristine waters and swam to the other side. She let out a little squeak when Daichi snuck up behind her, lifting her into the air.

“Spar with me, Naga.”

He sat her down and drew two swords from the weapon’s rack near the water’s edge.

“You know I’ve never fought with weapons such as those, Daichi. What if I hurt you?”

“Fear not. The edges have been dulled.” He banged them together for emphasis. “Besides, you need to learn how to swing a blade until your claws return.”

Jenevier took the Samurai weapon, closely examining its edge and point. “These weapons are still so foreign to me. Vareilious’s blade is sharp on both sides. I have to use both hands just to lift it.”

Daichi’s taunting smirk was blatant. “If you weren’t my revered Naga, I could make you blush for using such words to describe his
blade
.”

“Daichi! How have you come to learn such manners?” She stared, dumbfounded, at her beautiful blue boy. “Is Yui speaking ill things to you when I’m not present? Has he taught you to act as a beast and speak like one as well?”

“Nay, Naga. Yui is always the consummate gentleman. He admonishes me for saying such things.” He flashed a wicked look her way. “My words are my own. They’re naturally born within me.”

“Then I thank the heavens you did not grow up around my brothers. I shouldn’t be able to stand you already.”

“I look forward to the day they can train me proper.” He winked at her, smiling coyly.

She gasped. “You would disobey your mother? You would willingly take up the unguarded vile manners of a warrior against my wishes?”

“Never, Naga. Never would I willingly disobey you. But neither can I deny the creature I am.” He began to circle her slowly. “Now, raise your weapon and defend your lovely face… last warning.”

Daichi was quick and nimble. Jenevier was caught off guard with the swiftness of his blade, barely managing to counter his attack.

“Years of ease have left you rusty, Naga.” He stiffened his back, looking down on her from his great height. “I will not see you at the mercy of any man, ever again. Each new sunrise will find you here, blade in hand. Until I can leave you alone without pause or worry.”

“You would train me?” She laughed. “You believe me an old woman? Minus skill and courage?”

“I have seen the battles of your past played out many times in your mind. What I have not seen is the strength you now claim. But I
have
seen the confidence you now lack. I know not if it was stolen from you or if you gave it up willingly. Alas, I will not be satisfied until I see the fire rise up inside you once more.”

One corner of his mouth was turned up in a smirk. She knew that look all too well.

“The fire you showed Vareilious at the gate,” he continued. “The fire you burned Varick with during your training. The fire you carried into that little hunting cabin with you. And the fire you rained down upon the mighty Vindicus while in hell. All these things you did minus your mask. Show me this fire dwells within you still. Only then shall I bow down to your great might, Naga.”

“You have a sharp tongue, dear one. Take care you don’t push your old mom too far.”

“Please, allow me, Milady.” Yui spoke as he came up behind her. “Hold the blade like this.” He wrapped his arms around her, placing his hands over hers. “When balanced properly, it should feel light as a feather. Place your fingers like this. Use two hands only when you slice. Like so.” He guided her arms through the precise, fluid movement. “See how much better it feels, Princess? Natural… like a deadly extension to your graceful body.”

Daichi watched his master closely. He had warned him over and over not to touch her.

Jenevier melted back against the gentle Shinobi as she gave herself over to his soothing words and poised movements, absorbing his expert training. She trusted this man above all others. Gone was the boy who supported her during her torturous labor. The years had turned her young friend into a strong man. The chest she now rested upon was firm and masculine. She closed her eyes,
felt
his voice move through her body. The blade seemed to hum in her palm. His comforting tone lulled her heart as it had once healed her soul. This was the only human who would ever know exactly what she’d gone through. This was the only person who knew the extent of her injuries that night, who washed away the blood, held her when she could not stand on her own. This young man loved and worshipped her no matter what his eyes were forced to bear witness to. He was her strength, and had been since the day she’d first arrived. She depended on Yui more than he could ever imagine. The respect she carried for him bordered upon awe.

As he whispered his instructions in her ear, Yui breathed in deep her enticing scent. His eyelids fluttered.

Daichi’s awesome roar caused the tiny pebbles beneath their feet to vibrate. “Master Yui! Release her at once. I can teach her all she needs to know. You are not her Sensei. You are mine. You have no cause to touch her and your obvious desire for her is unacceptable. I will not give you another warning. Trust me.”

“Daichi, all is well,” Jenevier said. “Yui would never harm me. He would die first. I do not fear him. He is my ever loyal friend and companion. I love him. Always will I love him.”

At her words, Yui’s grip upon her tightened slightly. He buried his nose in her curls until it lightly touched her ear. His warm breath tickled.

“And I love you, my Princess.”

The tingling sensation caused her to giggle.

“Enough!” Daichi roared. “Step away from her now, Master Yui. You, sir, are close to crossing a line you will not be able to step back over… because dead men can’t walk.” His look was cold, steely. “If you wish to play, Naga, play with me.”

Daichi raised his sword and took one step toward them before he saw a sparkle in her magical eyes, such as he’d never seen before. Jenevier ran toward her second born, flipping into the air only inches before their blades touched. He slid to a halt. She landed lightly behind him and nonchalantly laid her dulled steel upon his shoulder.

“That’s
one
for me.” She flashed a mischievous smile.

Daichi spun with such ferocity that when their blades met, the impact caused her to stumble back several paces.

“Shall I claim a point as well, Naga? Or do the rules call for touching the flesh?”

She had seen that same pious smirk displayed proudly upon her warrior brothers’ faces many times before. When a wicked glint flickered in those steely blue eyes, she knew she had her hands full with this one. Son or stranger, Daichi would never go easy on her, would never pull a punch. He would give as good as he got. And he was
exactly
what she needed in a training partner.

“My sons may look the same…”

“But do not be fooled by the wrapper,” Daichi said, finishing her words.

Her smile matched his when their blades next met. The rapid sounds of their battle rang throughout the secret valley.

“I can sense you, Naga,” he whispered. “We are connected, you and I. I feel what it is you feel.”

She smiled. “I know you can, Daichi. I sense you within me, and it is amazing. You are precisely what I need, lacking in nothing. Our sparring will be epic. I have never felt more alive. Are you my equal, Angel? Come. Let us see.”

“Perhaps I should be asking the same of you, Naga,” he taunted. “We are two halves of the same whole, are we not? Perfectly matched in every way, you and I… as it should be.”

Her smile widened. “Only one other man has ever dared boast such a claim. Careful you don’t get burned, little one.”