Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3) (24 page)

Chapter 32

Yui

(YOO-ee)

Jenevier bit down on the hand covering her mouth and fought wildly.

It’d been over a year since her last summons and nearly that long ago since her angelic powers had left her. She was sorely out of practice. But this night’s egregious acts fueled her reflexes. She scratched and kicked until something tightly seized upon her wrists and ankles at the same time. She struggled, but there was no freeing herself from what now bound her. Her terrified gaze searched the darkness for her captor’s face.

Yui emerged from the shadows, his finger to his mouth. “Shhh, Milady. I will release you only when I’m certain you won’t scream. I’ve been searching for you for hours. I feared you were lost.”

She nearly collapsed with relief at the sight of those friendly lavender eyes and the sound of his soothing voice. He slowly released her. Only when the gag around her mouth slid away, did she realize it was his hair holding her prisoner.

“Yui, did you just use your ninjitzu on me?”

He blushed. “Apologies, Princess. I could not hold you otherwise. I have never seen you fight before. I should say I wouldn’t fare well if you were my opponent.” He winked teasingly at her as she threw her relieved arms around his neck. “Why were you going back toward the palace? Did you lose your way? Milady, did you forget I told you to head south?” He ruffled her tangled hair. “Have my hours of searching been only because my beautiful Angel has no sense of direction?”

Jenevier only squeezed him tighter, holding on for dear life. “Take me to your magical place, Yui. I wish never to leave it.”

He felt her warm tears upon his neck. “Milady, what happened?” Panic and fear mingled bitterly within his mouth.

“I never want to look upon another man for the whole of eternity. Promise me, Yui. Promise me now that no man, save you and my sons, will ever be allowed to enter your secret domain.”

He scooped her trembling body up in his arms, turning back in the direction he’d come. “I swear it, Milady.”

*****

Dawn was fast approaching when he had finally found her. Yui placed her upon his back and she slept safely there, the whole of their journey. He moved swiftly, but much slower than normal so as not to wake her. He knew, minus her words, she had lived through something truly horrible. He wished now only for her to sleep, to forget.

“Mika, reassure Daichi and Tenshi. Tell them their mother’s here. Let them see her if they wish. But do not wake her. I believe her body and mind need much time to heal.” Yui whispered his instructions to his sister as he stood by the canopied bed, holding the Mother of Angels.

“What did he do to her, Yui?”

“I know not. And I shall never ask. Do yourself a great favor, Mika. Read not her thoughts when they stray to this past night. Some things should remain buried in the dark.”

Yui stepped through the arched doorway as he left Jenevier’s room, heading out into the vibrant warmth of the nourishing sun. Sitting down heavily upon the natural stone bench edging what could now be called their front yard, he let his weary head rest back against the cool rock. The comforting sunlight caused his closed eyelids to glow red from within.

“Is she broken?”

“That is my fear, yes.” He spoke without turning to look at his questioning sister.

Mika looked back at their new home. Yui had been right. This was a secret place. She had never even seen its like amongst people’s thoughts. The doorway was a giant cave opening covered completely by thick hanging vines. It had been dark when they first arrived. But Mika knew, minus the light, they were in the Badlands.

Yui had led them through a crack at the base of a sheer rock cliff. The opening was large enough for a man and a horse to enter, dismounted. But the sharp stones jutting from the walls would’ve made it a rather tricky path to tread. Before they emerged on the other side, she could already hear the roar of a great waterfall. It echoed through the tunneled entrance.

Sunrise had displayed the true breath-taking beauty of their secret abode. When she stepped through the vines that next morning, she was in awe of the vastness. Their cave was tucked back within an alcove. Soft grass and tiny mushrooms carpeted the way down to the pristine river separating their home from the majestic waterfall. They were too far away to be soaked by the constant spray, but close enough to hear the soft roar in the background. To her left the valley spread out as far as the eye could see, carrying the river along with it.

“Yui, how long have you known about this place?”

“Since, I was a little boy.”

“How long have you known we’d be coming here?”

Yui raised his heavy eyelids, turning his head slightly to meet her questioning gaze. “Since the first time I held Daichi in my arms.”

“But how?”

“I may not be able to read minds, Mika. But I can read the warning signs plainly playing out before me. The Emperor is a man used to getting what he wants. I do not fault him for that. Yet never have I met a woman, even amongst the Shinobi, as fiercely independent and resolute as is our Princess. I knew the clash would happen one day. I only hoped I could make ready before it arrived.”

“So you have been furnishing this place, stocking it for months?”

“I have.”

Mika pounced on him, flinging her tiny arms around his neck. “Gratitude, Brother. You have saved us.”

“All is well now, Mika. Calm yourself. Go. See to the Princess. I fear I may have failed to save her after all.”

It was well into the evening of the second day before Jenevier stirred. The constant pleas in her mind from her precious boys pulled her from the darkness. After kissing and hugging them at least a thousand times, the twins tired of her attention and sought play elsewhere.

She ate some of the bread and cheese Mika had placed on her nightstand. Yui brought her some chilled wine, joining her on the edge of her bed. He spoke not, couldn’t even manage to look into her enchanting eyes.

“Yui, I owe you my life,” she whispered.

“I should never have let you stay. I should have faced the Emperor, fought for our freedom.”

“Your blood, even a single drop, is too high a price to pay, dear friend. Things played out as they were always meant to. Now, let us never speak of it again.”

“What do you wish for now, Princess? What shall I bring you? Name it and it’s yours. Tell me something I can do to cleanse your memories.”

“My memories are mine. They will always be with me. But the cleansing part is what I truly need. I wish to bathe for days. I wish to scrub until my body is free of haunting filth.”

“Come.” He held out his hand. “I’ll take you to the springs.”

The hot springs here were small compared to the ones in Vanahirdem, but she cherished them all the more.

She noticed the twins tossing stones into the water as Mika watched over them. Yui led her past the trio and up a natural sort of stairway hidden in the mountainside near their lovely little cavernous home. Once they reached the top, the tranquil springs lay in the center of a great basin—sunken down, hidden from the world. There was already a tray sitting by the largest spring, filled with all her favorite soaps and scents.

“But… how did you know?”

“I watched you, Milady. I made ready for the day I longed for, yet feared above all others.”

“The day you longed for?”

“Yes, Princess. The day I could rescue you from your palace prison, the day I could finally deliver you to a place where you could truly be free.”

“You don’t have to tell me why you feared the day. I know the reason… all too well.” She turned to him, smiling, scrunching up her nose.

I love when she does that
, he thought.

“But, Yui… you did all of this, for
me
?”

“Yes, Milady… and your sons.” His lavender eyes sparkled. “And just wait until nightfall. You’ve never seen the true beauty of our moons until you’ve gazed upon them whilst lying in these springs.”

His joyous smile contained the wonder of a child and the loyal devotion of a true friend. It melted her heart.

“I don’t deserve such kindness,” she whispered.

He paused, some of the wonderment now shadowed by tortured thoughts. “You deserve
only
kindness, Princess. What you do not deserve is—”

She lightly touched his arm, cutting off his coming words. “Is the thing we are never to speak of.”

“Yes, Milady.” He bowed respectfully.

“The manners and customs here are as beautiful as the flowering landscapes and your stunning purple eyes.” She lifted his chin with her bent finger. “I wish to learn more of your ways, Master Yui.”

He smiled and held her gaze. “It will be my supreme pleasure.”

She sighed. “I must now ask a great favor of you, dear friend. Do not feel compelled to comply. Mika can help me if you cannot.”

“Speak the words, Milady, and see it done.”

“I feel as if I’ve been beaten with stones. My arms are too sore to even raise, much less reach my back. If you cannot, will you please send Mika to help me out of these damnable clothes? Then take them away. Burn them so I may never have to look upon them again.” She looked down at herself. “I only wish I’d thought to grab the dress I came here in.”

Yui was silent long enough to cause Jenevier to turn and see if he was still there.

“Milady.” He spoke, barely above a whisper. “I have many new dresses for you, hanging within your closet.”

“Yui…” Her tears started then, flowing like a river, collapsing her façade of strength. “God has sent you to me. You are my Angel, my light in a dark place. I cannot be thankful enough for… for everything.”

She swayed. He caught her. Held her steady as her knees trembled.

“Do not shed tears for me, Princess. I am gloriously happy with the heavenly role I’ve been so blessed to play in your life. I need no other gratitude or reward.” He fell silent, lowering his head.

Jenevier gave his shoulders a tender squeeze. “All is well, Yui. I understand your hesitation, dear friend. I won’t be offended if you send Mika to assist me.”

His voice cracked. “I want to do it… I only wish… I wish not to shame you, Princess.”

“Shame me?” She laughed softly, lifting his chin once again, forcing him to meet her gaze. “I would never want you to think ill of me. I respect your chivalry where women are concerned. But, Yui, I am way past feeling any shame where my body’s concerned. Clothed or not, it’s only the wrapper. My treasure lies within, as does yours.” She placed her hand over his valiant heart and smiled knowingly at him. “I understand if you cannot do this. But never feel bad for the wonderful way you were raised.”

Tears filled his lovely eyes. “I would be honored to help you, Milady.”

“Thank the heavens.” She let out a relieved sigh. “I did not wish to scar poor Mika.”

“Scar her?”

“You’ll understand.”

She turned her back to him and he gently unwound her obi. The kimono didn’t fall open, as he’d expected it to.

“I fear the sash isn’t all that holds it to me,” she whispered.

He reached for the collar, sliding it off her shoulders. Yui heard her breath catch. He tugged just a tiny bit more before he realized the silk was stuck to her skin.

He gasped. “Is that… blood?”

She didn’t answer. It was all she could do to keep from screaming.

He continued to gently peel the material away from the open scratches covering her shoulder blades. It finally fell free. Only to catch again, halfway down her back. He tugged and she let out a tiny whimper.

“By the gods,” he cried. “What did that monster do to you?”

Jenevier waited a moment before she spoke. “He mentioned a prophecy. Said he was fulfilling perfection through pain and blood.” Her tears broke loose and she sobbed openly.

Yui gently rubbed her curls. “I, too, know of this prophecy, Empress.
From blood and pain will come forth perfection
,” he whispered. “Alas, the monster erred. You have already fulfilled that prophecy, Milady… the day your sons were born.”

They were both silent for several heartbeats before Yui sighed wearily, apologizing profusely whilst continuing in his horrific task. He cupped water in his hands, moistening the silk to better ease it away from her now seeping wounds. It stung. Jenevier cried out in pain.

She stood there, wavering, gasping for breath, until he’d finally loosened the last place stuck near the base of her spine. The destroyed garment fell freely to the ground.

Yui stared, speechless, at the many cuts and scratches covering her back and shoulders. Her bottom and the backs of her legs were completely covered with blackened bruises. He had never seen nor heard anything that could even come close to the tragedy he now witnessed, trembling before him. He wept.

“How can such a thing even enter a man’s mind? Oh, Milady, I only wish I could have taken this beating in your place.”