Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3) (19 page)

“Would you like that, my Angel? Do you want Mommy to steal their moons? Ohh, I would if I could… my precious little Daichi.”

Chapter 24

Larie

(LARR-ee)

Varick could not enter hell, no, but he knew the
perfect
demon he could use. He donned his mask, entering the familiar brothel on Praetoria as Alzeen.

“Ah, Larie, you look as lovely as ever.” He flashed a charming smile. “Your beauty sends me to my knees. I’m at your feet, Milady, simply at your feet.”

“Alzeen! Where in the world have you been hiding your gorgeous self?”

“I would never hide from you, Larie. I have been roaming the land, seeking what pleasures may be afforded me.” He winked at her. She blushed. “Is Hamish in tonight? As bad as it pains me to leave your enticing side, I have important business with your master.”

Larie fell silent, pretending to busy herself with the many log books and ledgers spread out before her.

He pressed his question further. “Lovely Larie, do you wish to hide him? From me? What’s running through that beautifully twisted mind of yours?”

He only had to wink at her, flash his dazzling smile once more, and she melted.

“Hamish isn’t here, Alzeen. He’ll never be here again. He’s gone.”

“I see. Then may I speak with Madam Josephine?”

“I fear that’s not possible, either.”

Alzeen took note of the tears she secretly tried to wipe away.

“Come now, beautiful lady. Tell Alzeen what troubles you so. You know how strong my shoulders are. Lean on me, dearest Larie.”

“They’re gone,” she cried softly. “They’re all gone.”

“Who’s gone? Tell me what’s befallen your night people. Perhaps I can help.”

“No one can help, not now. They were all taken from us. Even Jago and Cashiel… they are no more,” she whispered.

“How is such a thing possible, Larie? They could not easily have been taken. Those two, they are ancient, powerful men.” He shook his head. “You err, lovely lady. They are but gone for a season. Fear not. They will soon return.”

“Not so, Alzeen. I saw their deaths with my own eyes. They will return to us no more.”

“You
saw
this?” He searched her sad eyes. “Who among you could do such a thing? Who upon this realm could best even the weakest of The Thirteen?”

“She wasn’t of us. The Oracle foretold her arrival. He saw her coming, declared her to be the perfect sacrifice.”

Alzeen bristled at her words, suppressing the growl he felt rising within him. He knew all too well what the night people of Praetoria meant when they said
sacrifice
. He had been summonsed to judge many of them throughout the years. He stilled his disgust, listening closely to her words.

“She came into my shop. I knew her immediately. She was the one. And she was sooo beautiful.”

The middle-aged woman seemed to stare at nothing, a slight smile crossing her once lovely face, gazing at her unseen memory, recalling it for him now.

“Never have I seen a woman such as her. She glowed, even though she tried desperately to hide it. She had smeared filth on her face. Mud covered her enchanting sapphire scar, and all those lovely pink curls… bound up in an old scarf. But her eyes, no matter what, she could
never
hide those magical pink eyes.”

The wooden railing Alzeen had been leaning upon cracked within his tightening grip, pulling the woman’s eyes from the enchanting scene playing out in her mind back to the flaming-haired man standing before her.

“Go on, Larie. Tell me what befell your masters,” he coaxed.

She let out a deep sigh, wearily seating herself as her story spilled forth.

“Such magic. She was just a tiny little thing, so timid, scared, unsure of herself. I thought at first she was ashamed of her exotic markings. Now I know… she tried to hide them only so she could pass for normal.” Her gaze met Alzeen’s once more. “For she was many things, yet
normal
wasn’t one of them. I dare say she was the embodiment of magic. Magic things can never hope to be normal,” she mused.

“How long ago was this?”

“Several months now. She arrived on Beltane, our holy of holies. It seemed to be divinely orchestrated.” She sighed again, her light, drained.

The same thought played out in his mind as he remembered her words…
I decided to fly on faith, let the clouds wing me where I was needed.

“I liked her immediately,” Larie continued. “We were fast becoming friends as we made our way to the feast. I know not why I allowed such an attachment to form, knowing what the dawn would bring. But, I couldn’t help myself. She was such an enchanting little thing. I nearly fell in love with her upon sight.”

Alzeen knew exactly what Larie was talking about. Jenevier unknowingly carries a magic so powerful it draws creatures to her. Whether they mean her harm or no, they can no more fight her enticing pull than they can pluck down the stars.

“We feasted and danced and went overboard with the wine. Her dainty giggles were contagious. Even Decimus couldn’t tear himself from her side. Jago was wholly smitten with her, claiming her dance card as his own. It was the most perfect Beltane in history… until dawn approached.”

“What happened, Larie?”

“Naturally, she was the chosen one,” she continued. “Everything went along as planned. It was a beautiful ceremony.” She turned abruptly toward Alzeen. “Have you ever met Decimus? Do you know him?”

“I have, and… I do.”

Alzeen’s jealousy was swelling. He knew the demon Decimus. He knew well the many stories whispered about him, about his sadistic sexual games. Games he eagerly played out upon countless, willing and unwilling, young maids. The thought of Decimus even
touching
his beloved, was near maddening.

“Then you know how cold he can be to women,” she whispered. “Not so with this maid. He tried, yes. But he was just as smitten with her as the rest of us were. When it came time for him to offer her up, he could only stare at her, gaze longingly at her angelic face. I know not if he would’ve mustered the courage to speak at all… had she not realized what was going on herself. She confronted Decimus’s silence, taunted him, even. When Cashiel and Josephine seized her arms, she fought them not. She kept those magical eyes locked on Decimus…” She paused.

Alzeen noted her glazed-over eyes were staring into nothingness again.

“Until Cashiel spoke,” she whispered.

“What did he say?”

“It wasn’t his words that caused the horrible chaos of that lovely evening, it was the maiden.”

“The maiden? What did she do?”

“She licked him.”

Alzeen couldn’t help the wry smile now crossing his face.
Good girl
, he thought.

“She licked his neck and laughed. Everything after that seems a blur. Cashiel ordered Hamish to kill her. But something flashed out from her side. Hamish was rent in twain. That’s when we all panicked and ran for our lives.”

“So… you know not what became of the maiden?”

“Not entirely, no. But I know
exactly
what befell The Thirteen. I hid myself. I was terrified, yet I could not bear to leave. She moved so quickly I wasn’t able to see what she did exactly. But I watched as each of them exploded when she passed them by. She saved Decimus as one of the last. I saw plainly how she disposed of him. She approached him slowly, seeming even tinier next to his massive build. I could see his face clearly. He longed for her to touch him… and was terrified at the same time.”

“What did she do?”

Alzeen almost feared to hear how the owner of his heart dispatched the handsome demon.

“Her back was to me. It looked like she only ran her hand up his stomach, but blood trickled from the corners of his mouth.”

Her claws
, he thought.

Larie sighed. “He had a look of pure ecstasy upon his face. He even smiled at her, a breathtaking, adoring smile. Something flashed in the moonlight and his head fell to the ground.”

“Then it was done,” Alzeen whispered.

“No, Jago and Cashiel remained. She crossed words with them.”

“What did she say?”

“I was too far away to hear her clearly. They questioned her. They feared her. She spoke to them of her brothers, of God, and of executions. Jago said she could not claim them, said she didn’t have the right, the power,
or
the authority. That’s when she smiled at him and spoke of her husband.”

“Her husband? Whom did she name?”

“She didn’t, least not to Jago.” Giant tears trickled down the sad woman’s trembling cheeks. “She removed his head, pulled his heart out with her tiny little hand. Like it was nothing at all to do so.” She inhaled deeply, trying to still her shaking shoulders. “Jago turned to ash. There was no explosion, no mess. He was just… gone.”

“And Cashiel? She did the same to him?”

“Almost, but she whispered in the old man’s ear. I know not her words. He demanded the name she claimed, the name of her husband. I can only assume she whispered it to him. He must have known him, must have known the name she gave, because the sheer horror in his eyes before he turned to ash… haunts me to this day. Rarely a night passes without my dreams containing Cashiel’s terrified face.”

“Then, she left?”

“She disappeared.”

*****

Varick stepped out of Larie’s brothel, shook off Alzeen’s form, and headed straight for Spadroon.

Demons aren’t nearly as easy to come by, not since my Anicee was claimed by that damnable blue Angel. Everything happens for a reason, I suppose. But it doesn’t make the pill any easier to swallow.

After he picked up the scent of a new demon, convincing him there was favor to be gained by delivering a message to hell’s dark Prince was the easiest thing he’d done in centuries. Yet Varick was notoriously bad at predicting the actions of the dark ones.

This new demon was enjoying his wicked playtime way too much to return to hell just yet. “I’ll save this little errand until such time as it would best suit
me
, a time in which I may require some preferential support from the master. No point in wasting good information on nothing of value. I’m still young in this form. I fancy a bit more play before I kneel once more in front of Apollyon. None will be the wiser.” He chuckled to himself, setting his black heart upon pleasure.

*****

Varick wasn’t particularly enamored by the thought of returning to Vanahirdem… and
his warring brothers. After assuming his message was quickly on its way to hell, carried on darkest pinions, he took to the clouds.

Donning his
human
mask, the ethereal Guardian casually walked into Tamar Broden.

Chapter 25

Daichi

(dye-SHEE)

“Come on, Tenshi, come on. Aww, who’s Mommy’s big boy? You are. Tenshi’s Mommy’s little man. Look how big you are. Mommy’s so proud of her little Tenshi.”

About time, I’ve been doing that for days now.
Daichi sort of snorted within his thoughts.

Daichi, my Angel. Don’t try to make your brother angry.

Angry? Humpf. More like make him cry.

I heard you crying just this morning, Daichi
, Tenshi complained as he reached tiny angelic hands up toward Jenevier.

Picking up her first born, she playfully tickled his tummy.
Come now, boys, no fighting. You must always protect each other, be good to one another. You know how it would break Mommy’s heart if something happened to one of my precious Angels. If you determine to love the other more than yourself, I’ll have nothing to worry about, ever.

I do love Daichi. But he doesn’t like me
, Tenshi complained.
He’s always saying mean things to me when he thinks you’re not listening.

Shut it, Tenshi.

See? Like that. And when you hold me longer than him or let me sleep beside you, he pinches me… real hard. And then makes fun of me for crying.

She could hear Daichi’s muffled laughter clearly within his little angelic head.
Daichi, my wee Angel. Why do you torment your brother so? Is he right? Do you not like him?

Of course I like him… sometimes
, Daichi huffed.
But… he made fun of me, Naga. He hurt my feelings and thought it was funny.

Are you still fussing about that?
Tenshi said.
That was days ago. I only did it the once and I told you I was sorry. Besides, you tease me and laugh at me all the time.

Daichi remained silent, or hid his thoughts, Jenevier wasn’t sure which.
Come now, my Angel. Tell Mommy how your brother hurt you, Daichi. Perhaps it was a mistake.

It was no mistake
, Daichi snapped.
He laughed at me because I call you Naga. He made fun of me, told me I didn’t know how to talk, called me a baby. Then he tried to get me to say Mama, all whiney, like he does. I should have pinched you harder, Tenshi. Next time I will.

There, there, now
, she said, trying to hide the giggle in her mind.
Don’t you believe that’s an awful little thing to get so upset over? I love what you call me, both of you. Naga was the first word you ever thought, Daichi. I treasure it above all others. No matter what name either of you give me, I feel your precious hearts within me, just the same.

“I still don’t understand how all this works,” Mika said, lifting Daichi up, swinging him around in her arms. “If the babes were only in your tummy five months, how is it they were born so strong? The women of my village carry their children almost twice that long.”

“I know not the answers you seek, child. I am new to this myself. Perhaps Angels are different. Look how fast they grow.” Jenevier laughed. “I’ve only been with you for two weeks and see how Tenshi now tries to crawl.”

“Have you decided upon proper names for them? At this rate, they’ll be walking and talking before you realize it. I need to know what to call them when I must scold them for breaking things and getting their clothes all dirty.” Mika giggled, touching the tip of Daichi’s nose as she passed him off to his mother.

“It seems Fate has named my Angels for me, and I’m quite taken with the choices. You now hold Tenshi in your arms, child. And Daichi is at my breast.” Jenevier smiled down at the babe.

“Those names hold great power, Milady. Your Angels are lucky little men. Our ancestors believed one’s destiny could hinge upon the power of their name alone.”

“I agree, Mika. I’ve told you before, there’s a reason I’m here with you now. These names were never even uttered within my hearing before I came to Jinn. Yet, I can think of no more beautiful words to call my beloved sons than the ones your Emperor so easily bestowed upon them.”

Yui spoke softly as he entered the room. “So Musashi, the man who stole you from all you hold dear, is the blessed one graced with the naming of your precious Angels?”

He joined them on the balcony, holding his arms out toward Daichi. Jenevier lifted the sleeping boy and stood. She tenderly placed the babe in Yui’s protective arms and kissed the raven-haired ninja on the cheek. Yui blushed. Mika giggled.

“There are things
here
I hold dear as well, good Yui. I count you among them.” She smiled at him and lightly touched his shoulder. “How can I begrudge a man who has unintentionally heaped such great blessings upon me? In truth, had my story actually ended the way he thought, had I still been the tormented girl who wrote that journal… Musashi would have made all my dreams come true. This place, you people, those moons up there. If I were still as lost as he thought me to be, your Emperor would have blessed me with my own personal heaven. Alas, I am no longer that girl. And I never will be again.”

“He wishes to bless you even more, Milady. Our Emperor, the one you now know… he’s not the same man who ruled this realm at your arrival. He is changed, different. Stronger, perhaps,” he whispered. “It’s all due to you, Princess. The great Emperor of Jinn loves you.”

“This I know, good Yui. But that same love may well prove to be his undoing. It is but a spell. One I am powerless to control. I dread the fated day it is finally broken. Yet I feel it fast approaching.”

“Do you wish me to hide you? We’ll leave by moonlight. I can lead you to a place no other man can enter.”

“You know of such a place?”

“I do. It’s filled with magic. The perfect place to ensure your safety while your Angels grow.”

“Gratitude, Yui. Your heart is noble and kind. You will be a great leader one day.” She played with the loose strands of hair falling across his perfect face. “If things go beyond my control, I will call for you. On that day, you can hide me within your magical land and I will trust in your protection alone.”

“I will answer your call, Milady. I eagerly await it until the end of time.” Yui bowed slightly and began his normal swaying, humming as he held Daichi. “How is it my little Daichi grows so heavy?”

“He stays at her breast, always,” Mika said with a smile.

“Then he is properly named,” Musashi said as he entered. “For only one so wise would choose to remain at your breast, always.” He kissed her forehead and turned toward Mika. “I believe Tenshi called out to me. He wishes his father’s arms about him.”

Mika handed him the boy, tickling the babe under his chin before she left.

“You claim a great title, Sire,” Yui said.

“I only beg for the title, Yui. She yet refuses to let me claim it. I press upon her night and day. Still her lovely heart is withheld from me. Perhaps one day she will take pity on my tattered soul and grant me but one kiss.”

“Sire, these things you say to Lady Jenevier are not proper. You should restrain yourself where she’s concerned. She is married to a great man and she loves him fiercely.”

“But she’s the only one I wish
not
to restrain myself with.” He sighed heavily. “Yui, would you think ill of me if I forced my love upon Princess Jenevier, minus her permission?”

“I would hate you always,” Yui answered flatly.

“As would I,” Jenevier added.

“My words were jest. Your answers were granite.” He turned toward Jenevier, staring at her, forcing her to meet his pleading gaze. “I would do anything in the world to win your heart, Milady. But causing you to hate me, that’s one thing I could never do.”

“Musashi, you are an incredible man. Any woman would count herself blessed to know your favor. Such a heart as yours shouldn’t be wasted on such a creature as me. I am with you but for a season, my time here is marked. I shall not always dwell within your home. Give up this folly, Milord. I’m not worthy your noble tears. True love will find you one day. But not this day.”

“Continue to speak thusly and I shall love you as well, Mother of Angels.” Yui winked down at Daichi as he spoke.

Musashi chuckled. “He does not often speak. Yet when he does, wisdom drips from those stoic lips.”

Jenevier sighed and shook her head. “I have not lied to you in this. What you are
feeling
is a lie. You’re both simply impossible.”

“Impossible, yes, and impetuous at best. Alas, we are only men, Milady,” Musashi said. “We’re not fortunate enough to be made of such magical things as are you. Hold not our flaws against us, yet love us for them all the more.”

“You play with poison yet you are blind to the dangers,” she warned. “You refuse to see me as I truly am. Have you ever watched a snake charm a mouse? The mouse cannot see the danger, no. He only stares into those mesmerizing eyes, swaying to the graceful movements of his killer. Same as you now do.”

“I know of what you speak,” Yui said. “But the mouse dies happy. He’s swept up in euphoria. Death takes him before the spell is broken. Can you promise such a thing, Milady?”

Jenevier growled under her breath.

“You both err,” Musashi said. “The mouse is neither charmed nor is he happy. He is frozen with fear and cannot move. The only thing I fear from you, Milady, is your absence.”

“I concede to you both,” she said. “But know this. Everything you see before you, everything I am, is only a tool intended to bring about harm.” She held out her arms, turning around in a slow circle. “My frail size removes intimidation. My skin is as alluring as a firefly. My coloring, enticing as nature itself. And the delicious icing on top of it all? My enchanting scent. It washes away rational thinking. Everything about me is a beautiful trap you cannot pull your eyes from. This is all true but for one reason and one reason alone—so I may kill you all the easier. Think hard on my words, gentlemen. You are both great warriors, blessed with deadly skill and amazing strength. I would not see you brought low due to mere enchantment.”

Both men, ninja and samurai alike, stared at her, drinking in every word.

“Now, think not of today, but of when we first met. Which of you could have raised a hand to me once our eyes had first locked? Think hard, dear friends. Now’s the time to be honest with your hearts. Remember what I told you. I was created to be the perfect weapon. Do not look upon me as a flower, but as a viper.”

Jenevier read their minds. She sighed at the truth they knew, but so easily discarded.

“So be it. I wouldn’t be much of a blade if my edge could be dulled by my words alone.”

“Will you be mine, Lady Jenevier?” Yui said unexpectedly. “Your own ethereal description has pierced my heart. I understand not this strange feeling, but it engulfs me wholly. Will you stay by my side and let me protect you forever?”

She stared, disbelieving, at the young Shinobi she already counted as a treasured friend.

“B-but, Yui. Wh-what are you saying? I’m old enough t-to be y-your mother.”

“Ahh, but you don’t look it. You are ageless, Milady. Never changing. Always fair, always lovely. Me, I will change with time, dwindle with the passing years. Take your own advice, Princess. Look not upon my wrapper, love me for the worth I carry within.”

“Nay, take my hand. Reign as my Queen and be my beloved Empress,” Musashi said. “I will submit to your sovereign rule. I will trust only in you, in your grace and honor. Be my wife. Name me Father of Angels.”

What kind of vile creature am I?
she thought.

“My answer to you both will always and forever be
NO
.” She pointed at each man as she spoke. “Ask this of me again, either of you, and I shall remove your heads where you stand.”

“I would prefer my death to your absence,” Yui whispered.

“I wouldn’t even raise a hand in my defense,” Musashi said. “I will gaze into those beautiful eyes and thank you for the sweet release of death you mercifully bestow upon me.”

Jenevier let out a weary sigh and collapsed into her chair.

“Very well then. If you promise to protect my Angels with your lives, I promise not to leave your world until they’re great warriors themselves,” she conceded.

I have to leave this place and the madness it now holds
, she thought.
Minus my mask, how shall I accomplish such a thing with two tiny babes?

Mama.

Yes, Tenshi.

Take Mika with us.

I will, my love. I promise.

And Yui. Naga, I want Yui to hold me.

Yes, Daichi. I know you love Yui. But it seems things have changed where he is concerned. It may not be a good idea to take him along. How can I change his heart concerning me? And how shall I convince him to betray his Emperor?

Bind him, Naga.

A single tear escaped the corner of her closed eyes as Jenevier pondered Daichi’s request.