Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) (37 page)

Jeziel didn’t hear from Natalie right away.
Though she was her best friend, she worried that Aura
and the others wanted to see her punished for Jasper
and Ella’s deaths. She couldn’t have known what
happened or the Guild would have already accosted
her. She was sitting in the kitchen looking out her
window
when Samhael
arrived. “Has something
happened?” she asked.

“If you’re asking about Natalie, I assure you
she’s perfectly safe.”
“Why are you here Samhael?”
“Richard may have overstepped his bounds
with the Guild. If it comes to pass that anything should
happen to him, I want you to bring his body to me.”
Jezielstarted to laugh. “Richard would never
allow the Guild to capture him.”
“Perhaps not, but if something happens I want
his body.This request comes you’re your father.”
“How is my father?
Will I see him again
soon?”
“He hates coming here, but he asks about you
each time we meet.”
“And what have you told him?”
“I told him you were doing well.
Is that not
true?”
“I would be doing better if I could be with my
friend. It was Richard’s fault she was discovered.
He
sent her to the Guild with no protection. Idon’t trust
him.”
“He may be a little rough around the edges, but
he has always been loyal to our father.”
“Perhaps that’s because there is something of
value in it for him.”
“He is a selfish man, but he is also useful.”
“He has no right to use his daughter.
She has
been nothing but faithful to him.”
Samhael laughed. “You two have become close
haven’t you?”
“I can trust her completely; which is more than
I can say about a great many others.”
“I certainly hope that you can trust me?”
“Of course I can.
I would never have asked
you to take me to my father if I didn’t trust you.”
“Change is coming; it’s inevitable.
I
look
forward to having a closer relationship with you and
Natalie.”
“I might consider it; depending on what
happens with Aidan.”
“Aidan won’t disappoint his father or Heaven;
not even for you.”
“We’ll see.
If Aura was out of the way, it
would be easier to persuade him to follow me.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have the power to do away
with her.
Your brother has forbidden anyone to touch
her. Hewants her for himself.”
“My brother may have to get over her.
If the
opportunity presents itself, I’ll get rid of her myself and
deal with the consequences afterwards.”
“When are you planning to see Aidan again?”
“I was thinking of seeing him tonight.”
“I hope you don’t take any unnecessary risks.
Eventually the Guild will grow weary of your little
game and he may be forced to bring you before them.”
“Aidan would never betray me; we have been
friends too long.”
“I hope you’re right Jeziel, but I’ve seen many
friendships disappear over time.”
“I intend to become more than a friend. I want
Avriel’s ring. I know it’s only a matter of time before
it will be mine. Then I will control those little brats my
father keeps.”
“I wouldn’t do anything foolish.
Your father
supports Mortriel where Aura is concerned. You don’t
want to make an enemy of your brother,” Samhael
warned.
“I do not fear my brother.
If I can find a way
to return the sacred gifts to power, I’m sure my father
would forgive
me
the
means
in
which they
were
returned,” Jeziel laughed.
“You are certainly ambitious; no one can ever
doubt that. Perhaps I can offer you a little gift to help
you with your quest.”
“What are you talking about?” Samhael placed
his hands over Jeziels eyes. “Go have a look.”
Jeziel stood in front of the mirror and gasped
when she saw her eyes.
They were no longer black;
instead they were honey brown as before. “How did
you do that?”
“It’s just a little gift I have,” Samhael laughed.
“Aidan will have to trust me now. She ran over
and gave Samhael a hug. “This will convince him of
my innocence more than anything else.
I am indebted
to you.”
“Perhaps one day you may be asked to return
the
favor. Until we meet again,” and Samhael
vanished.
“I will have Avriels ring.
Aidan will have to
believe I am above suspicion now,” Jeziel smiled.

The little ones couldn’t wait to tell Papa about
New York. After dinner Aura and Aidan gave them
their bath. Mia, Joey and Shannon decided to spend the
night.

After the baths, Aura prepared their evening
snacks, while the little ones picked out a movie to
watch. Since there was eight of them, she put them in
the dormitory. The beds were large enough for them to
sleep together.
The
other couples
that
came
with
Mahlyssa agreed to stay at Aura’s house until her father
prepared a home for them in the valley.

Aidan joined Aura for a cup of tea after the
little ones were settled. “What did you want to talk to
me about?” she asked him.

He
hesitated
before
beginning
the
conversation. “I can’t help feeling we are drifting
apart.”

“Please Aura; you know we aren’t as close as
we used to be.”
“Perhaps that’s because you have chosen to
become close to Jeziel.”
“I’m trying to help her.
You would do the
same for your friends.”
“I would hope that my friends would welcome
the support of the Guild. One might believe the reason
she’s avoiding my father is because she’s afraid of the
truths that might be revealed.”
“Do you no longer trust me?”
Aura
was
beginning
to
lose
her patience.
“Didn’t we already have this discussion?”
“You never answered my question.”
“Perhaps that’s because you won’t like the
answer.”
“So you don’t trust me?”
“I don’t trust your friend,” she sighed.
“Aren’t my friends and your friends one in the
same?”
“Some are; others aren’t.”
“I wish you would trust Jeziel.
How can she
convince you of her innocence?”
“She can start by meeting with the Guild.
She
is Laelah’s daughter. She shares the same blood as my
father.How can she not trust him?”
“Do you not share the same blood too?”
“No! She has my father’s blood. My mother’s
blood makes me different than Jeziel.”
Aura stopped for a moment.
Once again she
smelled a dark wing approaching. Without looking, she
knew it was Jeziel.“Speaking of your friend, I believe
she’s working her way to my backyard again.
I have
asked you repeatedly not to meet her here. Obviously,
you have no regards for my feelings.”
Aidan tried to apologize. “I told her not to
come here.”
Aura picked up her tea cup and walked to the
sink. “Are you angry with me again?” he asked.
“No Aidan,” Aura said. “I’m not angry. I’m
just disappointed. I hoped you would have considered
my feelings, but I know now I was mistaken. I’m
going to check on the little ones and then I’m going to
bed.” Aura walked passed him to the dormitory. When
she walked into the room the little ones were already
asleep.
She
kissed them
goodnight
before
walking
towards the stairs.
Aidan was waiting for her. “I’m sorry Aura.
I’ll talk to her again.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore Aidan.” She hurried
to her room where she undressed and got into bed as
fast as she could.
Once again he was left to deal with Jeziel.
While he had felt some regret about her situation, her
constant nightly visits was affecting his relationship
with Aura.
He would put a stop to it tonight.
Losing
Aura would be the worst thing that could ever happen
to him. It was enough that he lost Avriel once.
He
wasn’t about to let anyone come between them; not
even Jeziel. He walked outside to confront her.
“Aidan how are you?” Jeziel asked with a
smile.
“I asked you not to come back here.”
“No, what you said was you were going to talk
to Aura and explain that we were friends.”
“That’s not what I said Jeziel. Why do you
insist on twisting my words?
You need to meet with
the Council tonight.”
“I’m not ready yet. Why can’t you convince
them I need more time?”
“They are trying to help you.”
“I doubt Paul would help me.
Aside from
being Aura’s father, he was also responsible for killing
my mother.Or have you forgotten?”
“I believe you are the one who has a memory
problem. Paul saved your life. I would think that you
would appreciate
what
he
did.
As far as
Aura
is
concerned, why do you hate her so much?
She has
been nothing but kind to you since you arrived.”
“She’s taking you away from me.”
“Perhaps it is you who is trying to take me
away from her.
You misunderstand my intentions.
I
was acting out of friendship, nothingmore.”
“You care for me Aidan; I know you do.
You
didn’t pull away from me when I kissed you.”
“That was a mistake.
I was trying to comfort
you.If you read more into it than that I’m sorry.
I am
still married and I told you I love Aura.
Nothing will
ever change that.”
“How can you love her? She’s not your wife.
She wants you to give up your friends.”
“She has never asked me to give up anyone.
When you’re ready to meet the Council I’ll help you,
until then I have to ask you not to come back here
again.”
“So you are choosing her over me?”
“She’s my wife. I’m sorry that you can’t
accept that.”
“She is not your wife!” Jeziel screamed. “Tell
your little half breed I have no intentions of staying
away.”
“You should take caution in your tone. Aura is
more than capable of keeping you away.
She has been
patient with you, but her patience is wearing thin.
Sooner or later you will be brought before the Council.
I would rather it be by choice, instead of by force.”
“Are you threatening me Aidan?”
“I have no cause to threaten anyone, especially
you.
I am warning you.
The Guild will soon tire of
your refusal to meet with them.
“I think this conversation is over.
Perhaps the
next time we meet, you will be in a better mood.”
She
stood in front
of Aidan
hoping he
would see
the
change.
“Your eyes,” he said.
“What about them?”
“They are honey brown like before.”
“Perhaps now you’ll believe that I’m
innocent.”
“Come with me before the Council now? I’m
sure they will trust you after seeing the transformation.”
“I’ve argued all along that I didn’t kill Elijah.
Perhaps you can convince the Council I’ve been
honest.”
“If you come with me now, they’ll see that
you’re telling the truth. If you still refuse to meet with
them, I hope you’ll remember my warning.
Paul has
protected you, but if the Elite Guard becomes involved,
he won’t be able to help you.”
“I need no help from Paul and I certainly don’t
fear the Elite Guard. Perhaps the Guild should fear
them,” she laughed, as she vanished.
Aidan wondered
what she meant.

Meredith left that afternoon.
Before she made
her request before the Commission, she would speak to
Henry. She hoped he would be receptive to the idea of
having Caspian declared legally dead.
Henry was still
fond of Desiree, regardless of how he felt about her or
Richard.

Henry opened the door himself. “Meredith I
wasn’t expecting you,” he lied. “To what do I owe this
pleasure?” He thought it humorous she still insisted on
wearing
her ridiculous
tiara.
Some
things
never
changed; including Meredith and her arrogance.

“I have something important to discuss with
you Henry and I’m afraid it can’t wait.”
“Have a seat and I’ll have some tea brought
in.”
She was confused by Henry’s sudden kindness
towards her.
Perhaps he had second thoughts about
their annulment.
She was shocked when Jane walked
into the room carrying a tray with three cups on it.
“I should have told you I need to speak to you
in private,” Meredith hissed, as she looked at Jane.
“Jane is my oldest and dearest friend. We keep
no secrets from each other,” Henry said sincerely.
“I must insist we discuss this matter privately
Henry,” Meredith seethed.
“I don’t mind.
Winnie
and I
are
going
shopping for dresses to wear to Joshua and Will’s
weddings.”
Jane knew Meredith had not been invited
to the nuptials, but the mention of the wedding would
infuriate her. She kissed Henry on the forehead before
leaving the room.
“What is this about?” he asked.
“Well I see you certainly didn’t waste any time
finding a replacement for me?”
“We are no longer married and I doubt my
friendship with Jane is any of your business. What’s
brought you back here?”
“We need to discuss Caspian. No one has had
contact
with him
in
months. I
intend to ask the
Commission to have
him
declared legally dead so
Desiree can move forward with her life. It’s unfair to
keep her waiting indefinitely for his return.”
Even though Aura had prepared Henry for this,
it was still hard to hear.“Is this what Desiree wants?”
“Yes - Caspian left her on their wedding night
before the marriage was consummated.
“He never consummated the marriage?” Henry
smiled.
“This is not funny Henry.
Is she supposed to
sit and wait; not knowing if he is dead or alive?”
“I agree with you.
Caspian would have
contacted us and I have it on good authority you’re
correct.”
“You mean he is dead?”
“No, but no one has heard from him. I agree it
would be unfair to keep Desiree waiting any longer.”
Meredith wasn’t prepared for Henry to be so
agreeable.“When can we meet with the Commission?”
“We can leave now.
They may need a day or
two to consider your request. Is Desiree prepared to
testify?”
“She’ll make herself available to answer any
questions.”
“Then I suggest we ask them to place it on the
docket. I’ll recommend we postpone Richard’s
hearing, until this matter is resolved.”
“That would be appreciated.
We both agree
this is for the best?” she asked.
“I will support you with this issue.”
“I’m sure Desiree will be grateful for your
help.”
“I can hardly blame her, especially if the
marriage was never consummated.”
“When do you think we’ll have their answer?”
“They have more pressing issues they are
dealing with right now, but I expect we may have an
answer as soon astomorrow.”