Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) (2 page)

“You haven’t changed a single bit,” he said. “Everything about you is the same as my memories.”

She glanced at his profile from the corner of her eye. “You look old.”

Suou laughed as he snatched her around the waist, pulling her onto his lap. “I see that horrible things still fall unchecked from those perfect lips.”

“But when I am good, I am very good indeed.”

He tapped the tip of her nose. “And when you are bad, you are horrid.”

She blushed. He only laughed louder, hugging her to him.

“It is hard for me to distinguish time, Suou—how much has passed, how short or long a thing has been.” She began to play with his snow white braid. “I am glad you kept your hair this way.”

“I did it for you. In truth, I kept the braid you gave me for days… too many days. I only let them take it down when the servants complained about me needing to wash it. Still, I made them fix it back the way you did.”

“That makes me smile, even on the inside.”

He quickly kissed the side of her head. “Then it was all worth it. Now, tell me, sweet Sakura. What about
time
are you having trouble with?”

“The whole of it, in truth. Like… how many days has it been since your confirmation party?”

“Days?” He chuckled. “I cannot recall the days, little Cherry Blossom. But I was twenty-one when I asked you to be my intended, the night I tried to bind you with a dance. The kingdom celebrated my sixty-sixth year this past spring.” He absently outlined the edges of her intricately tattooed hand. “I was only a few days passed forty when you began crying beneath this tree, forcing its blooms to shine down upon you. I cannot see you until you cry yourself to sleep. I always see the blooms first.”

She touched his cheek, causing him to meet her sorrowful gaze.

“Apologies for making you sad, sweet Prince. I never wished to bring you more pain than I already had.”

“Don’t you dare apologize for blessing me.”

“Blessing you?”

“Yes. Eventually, I am blessed with but a brief glimpse of your tiny sleeping form… before you leave, taking the enchanted sakura with you.” He tucked her curls back behind her ear. “For over twenty-six years, I have gazed at dried tears upon angelic cheeks. And every single time, I whisper…
I would never have let you cry yourself to sleep all alone. I would have always held you while you crumbled
.”

“You said that to me?”

He tenderly kissed the top of her head. “Every single time.”

They held each other for several quiet moments, the past playing about painfully for both of them.

“Tell me, little Fire Dragon. Did you ever marry your kilted Guardian? Or perhaps that handsome purple Angel you left here with?”

She snorted out a laugh. “No. I have not seen Ahriman, that purple Angel, since the day I last saw you. And as for Vittorio… I guess it just wasn’t in the stars for us. But I finally did marry, though.”

He sort of growled. “Was it that dimpled sell-sword?”

She giggled. “No. He is quite charming, I’ll give him that. But, no. You have never met my beloved Yui. Although… you
have
seen his likeness.”

His brow furrowed in thought. “His likeness? Hmm, Yui… Yui. You mean… You don’t mean the man who stabbed you clean through. The one you kissed while he plunged a blade through your lovely back.”

“No, silly. You killed
him
, remember? No, my Yui is from Jinn… my rare magical Shinobi.”

“A Shinobi, huh? With beauty enough to rival Akio’s vicious little brother?”

“Yes, except Yui’s eyes are the most enchanting shade of lavender you have ever seen.”

“Is that so? Hmpft… I think I hate him.”

Jenevier just giggled and shared a final hug with her old friend.

*****

When she left the eighth layer realm and King Suou’s lovely little piece of it, she was hit with a disturbing thought.

Has it truly been over fifty years since I last saw my friends on Ashgard? Jezreel probably has about twenty kids by now.
She pulled up short, panic seizing her chest.
Wait now… let me think. That cannot possibly be right. Or can it? Let me see, best I can recall… I was in my forties by human calculations when that devious little Elf stole my essence. I was then married to Finnean for seven years, and it was another three before Vittorio took me to see the cherry blossoms… And Suou just said that was over forty years ago. Right?
Silent tears burned her lovely eyes. “Then… it has been over fifty years since I said farewell to Alastyn. By all that’s holy. If he yet lives, he would be nearly a hundred by now.” She started sobbing in earnest then. “How could I so easily forget the people who were so important to me? How could I be so selfish? How could I just let the years flow by as water? What kind of heartless creature am I?”

“You are all Angel now, Kagi Naga.”

She turned to find a stranger hovering in the air not too far away.

“The only possible way for you to be who you are, is to forget. You are not horrible, Little Fire, only normal. Well…
celestially
normal.”

He smiled then, a little too big and a little too showy for her comfort.

“Who
are
you? And… how do you know my name?”

He flew nearer, well, he
moved
nearer. She didn’t actually see any wings.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” He bowed gracefully. “My name is Maza Vespar Rixx. You can call me Rixx. And as for how I know your name, everyone knows who
you
are. Naga—the delicate Death Angel.”

He casually ran his fingers through his fiery red hair, which immediately fell back over his left eye… an eye that almost perfectly matched his red locks. But as strange as a crimson iris was to look upon, his right eye was the truly haunting one. It was pale gray in color—cold as steel. He tossed his head slightly, now revealing both celestial orbs simultaneously. The sight was halting, truly unnerving.

It’s like… he stares at me through fire and ice.
She shuddered.

“You are whispered about within every realm, Kagi Naga—the pink-haired tiny Fire Dragon.” He chuckled softly. “You are loved and hated equally, little one.”

“Is that so? Well, Rixx, it’s nice to know your name, I suppose. But… what
are
you? Never have I seen a creature quite like you.”

He chuckled again. “No, I guess you haven’t. What I
am
, Kagi Naga, is a Nephilim. The
last
Nephilim.”

Chapter 2

Lala

(LAH-lah)

“Why do you love coming here so much?”

Duhrias wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed Lala atop her head. “Because… I love the way you smile whilst playing within this forest. When you hear the music… your eyes sparkle like they’re full of stars.”

She smiled then. “I only wish
you
could hear the music as well, Dimples. It’s like… audible magic.”

He squeezed her tighter. “When did I first fall in love with you?” he whispered. “Was it the moment I laid eyes upon you as a child? Or the moment you confessed your heart to me at sixteen?”

“Both times, I believe.” She turned in her Knight’s arms. “We have always loved one another, you and I. But it has changed through the years… grown right along with my shoe size.”

Duhrias marveled at the Princess standing soft within his embrace—marveled at her smile, her beauty, and her heart. There were none who did not adore the lovely Princess of Jinn. Not just her immediate family alone, no. Princess Lala held a special place within the hearts of the Shinobi and normal Jinnites alike. She was truly her mother’s daughter. Mika’s genetic influence was undeniable, from every angle. At but a glance, any creature would name her a Jinnite—porcelain skin, raven hair—only her sparkling sapphire eyes and long ringlets belied her mixed heritage and marked her as
half Angel
.

Duhrias lightly kissed her shoulder. “When will you marry me?” he whispered, then kissed her neck.

Lala shivered. “When I am certain that my father and Grandpapa will not turn you to ash before my eyes.”

“It is no secret, little one. Always do we kiss… always are you in my arms.” He tilted her chin up. “The whole of Jinn knows we are devoted lovers… and have been for the last many years. You are nearly forty, Lala, and… I am ancient. What is it you fear?”

“My Obaasan.”

Duhrias smiled. “Ahh… but Naga is the very Angel who gifted you with me that enchanting day. Your devoted grandmother would be happiest of all, were we to wed.”

“Yes, that is true. But it isn’t her
approval
that I fear, Dimples.”

“Then, what is it, Princess.”

“Obaasan is… fierce… volatile. She is not the same now as when I was a child.”

The River Spirit gently caressed her soft cheek. “And that is my fault, my love. I unintentionally removed her humanity. So, in truth, she is
not
the same creature she was when you were yet a babe. But that doesn’t mean she loves you any differently…
or
any less.”

“Yes, but… we have become so disconnected. We’re almost like… familiar strangers, in some bizarre way. In truth, I do not believe Obaasan even realizes I am a grown woman. She sees me, yes. Yet… I am not certain she actually
sees
me. She is changed…”

“And why would you fear her coming to such an obvious realization?”

“You wouldn’t understand, Dimples.”

“I have been at your side the whole of your life, Lala. There is very little concerning you that I would not understand.”

She sighed. “Being a grown woman in Obaasan’s eyes is… well… being like
her
.”

Duhrias chuckled. “I think the last thing in the world Naga wants from you, is to be
like
her
. I have heard her prayers with my own ears, little one. She entreats Father,
begs
Him not to curse your life by blessing you as she was. And when the day came that she finally realized you were more Shinobi than Angel… your grandmother celebrated most of all.” He smiled softly. “She was so liberal with the wine that day… Yui had to carry her to bed.”

“I have never seen Obaasan drunk.”

“Nor have I. That was the only time. Her happiness overthrew her inhibitions. And
that
was all because of you, my love. She was so relieved, she gave herself over to abandon.”

Lala only smiled and gently rested her head against Duhrias’s broad chest.

He lovingly stroked her soft curls. “And after your powers are revealed unto her… Kagi Naga will see you as the glorious, capable woman you have become.”

“I hope so,” Lala whispered. “I only wish I got to see her more often.”

Duhrias didn’t say anything, only continued to stroke her curls and hold her.

She took a deep, steadying breath. “Very well, then.” She looked up at her smiling River Spirit. “After the big
reveal
… we will decide on the appropriate time to announce our engagement.”

Duhrias kissed her then, pulled her close and melted her from the inside out.

*****

“I can’t believe you cannot hear this.” Lala lightly tapped a few more toadstools. “It’s the most magical music in the universe.”

Duhrias smiled as he watched her happily conducting her silent symphony. “As long as
you
can hear it, Princess… that’s all that matters.”

The sell-sword’s breath hitched when the enormous cat stepped from the trees and approached the preoccupied young woman. When Duhrias drew his blade, the cat glanced toward him, then lazily back to the smiling Princess.

“Wow…” Lala whispered, as she stood and reached toward the large cat. “You’re the biggest Kitty I have ever seen. Can I touch you?” she asked, already running her hand between his pointy ears.

“A little more to the left,” the cat purred.

Lala gasped. “Ahh… you must be Syadar.” She knelt down in front of him, still petting the imposing feline. “My Obaasan told me all about you. She loves you. Did you know that? You are one of her absolute most favorite people.”

Duhrias approached cautiously. “Lala…” He held his hand out toward her. “Come to me, Princess. Slowly now… don’t make any sudden movements.”

The large cat sort of sighed and sat down. “You are not who I thought you were.” He casually looked Lala in the eye, then away again. “The song of the forest drew me here. Yet your scent pulled me closer. It is obvious you are not
her
. And, no… I am not
Syadar
.”

Lala giggled at the condescending way the proud cat said the obviously disdainful name. “So… you are from the Zeenian clan, then?”

“I am Prince Alzeen, yes.” The cat bowed in a rather regal way, if cats can do such a thing. “And who are you?”

“I am Princess Lala.” She turned toward Duhrias. “And
that
is Dimples, my constant guardian and sell-sword Knight.”

Alzeen glanced toward the still-armed man. “Smashing job,
Guardian Knight
. Were you any slower, I would have had your Lady half eaten… were I so inclined.”

Duhrias did his best to hide the blush now rising up in his cheeks as he sheathed his blade.

“What is it about my scent that pulled you to me?” Lala asked. “Is that why you let me pet you so easily?”

“I let you pet me because I enjoy it. If I did not… you would know. Now, tell me. How have you come to be on Byzantha? Did you bring Empress Naga with you?”

Lala shook her head. “No. She is attending a summons… as usual. Dimples and I came through the caves. I love playing about in your magical forest.”

“Are you a panther?” Duhrias asked.

Alzeen cast him a disgusted look,
if
cats can do such a thing. “I am a Zeenian Prince, sell-sword. If you are meant to represent one of the royal households of this universe, you would do well to learn a bit of etiquette.” He glanced back at Lala. “It seems both of you lack a sense of noble decorum. I am only convinced that the girl is who she says she is because I smell the Empress within her… and the fact that she can obviously make the stones glow and hear the forest sing.” He stood then and turned to go. “Tea would be a proper way to discuss this further. Come.”

*****

“Whoa…” Lala’s mouth fell open. “So
you
are Alzeen.”

Duhrias snorted at the obvious way Lala was practically drooling all over herself.

“I am Prince Alzeen, yes.” He inclined his head toward her.

“…Wow. Just… wow.”

When Duhrias discretely elbowed Lala, she cleared her throat and blushed. Alzeen smiled to himself.

“Obaasan said you were handsome. But… her words could never do you justice, good Prince.”

“Your
Obaasan
is an exquisite creature as well,” he half purred.

“It runs in the family,” Prince Chazeen said as he entered.

Lala and Duhrias had followed the large red and cream-colored cat down the mountain and to the Northern palace, but only now were the Zeenian Princes greeting them in their royally-attired human forms.

The Shinobi Princess was entranced, to say the least. Duhrias… not so much.

Prince Chazeen took her hand and lightly kissed it, bowing regally as he did.

Lala blushed brightly.

Prince Razeen smiled sweetly as he took her other hand and led her into the formal parlor, seating her next to his eldest brother, Prince Alzeen.

Heilzeen, the youngest Prince in the family, sighed lazily as he took the seat across from Lala, yet didn’t speak.

When King Taizeen entered, they all stood.

“Your Highness,” Duhrias said, bowing with his fist over his heart.

Taizeen paused at the sight, inclined his head, then took his seat. “This day is a glorious day.” He smiled softly. “The day I was blessed with looking upon my great-great-great-granddaughter.”

Lala furrowed her brow. “Apologies, Your Grace. I don’t underst—”

“Your great-great-grandmother was my eldest daughter… Princess Lazeen.”

“But… how is that even possi—”

“Lazeen was your… What do you call her—the Empress?”

“The Empress? You mean… Obaasan?”

Taizeen smiled. “Ahh yes… My daughter, Princess Lazeen, was your Obaasan’s grandmother.”

“I…” Lala glanced toward Duhrias, and then back to the King. “I didn’t know.”

“That is why you can hear the music,” Alzeen said. “Because you claim Byzanthian blood.”

When Lala continued to furrow her brow in obvious confusion, Prince Heilzeen rolled his eyes and sighed. “Your Knight, there.” He motioned toward Duhrias. “I am right, aren’t I? He
is
your Knight or protector or something, is he not?”

Lala nodded.

“
He
cannot hear the music, can he?”

She shook her head. “No. He cannot.”

“And that is because he is not Byzanthian,” Chazeen said. “Yet you are, little one.”

Prince Razeen chuckled. “Surprise, dear niece. You are a Princess on
two
layers of this universe.”

“You must be sooo proud,” Heilzeen said, in a completely uninterested tone.

“So… you are my uncles?”

“Bellevine and I had six cubs in all,” King Taizeen said. “Your great-great-grandmother, these four handsome gentlemen here, and our youngest, Princess Dalazeen.”

“She lives in the Southern kingdom now,” Razeen said. “With her husband Syadar and their cubs.”

When Lala didn’t speak—almost looked panic-stricken—King Taizeen stood and held out his hand toward her.

“Come, my child.” He waited until she acquiesced. “Come, and I will show you the story of your ancestors… same as I did with your Obaasan many years ago.”

Lala glanced up at him. “…Story of my ancestors?”

Taizeen nodded. “Yes. The story of Shamsiel and Talia.”

*****

“That was quite a bit to take in, all in one go. Huh, Princess?”

“Huh?” she answered absently.

Duhrias squeezed her hand. “Hey… You okay?”

Lala didn’t answer immediately. “…I …I don’t really know very much about Obaasan. Do I, Dimples? I had no idea concerning this part of her—of
our
heritage.”

“Naga is a mystery, to be sure. But… I don’t believe she intentionally keeps you in the dark. More like… she’s so busy living in the present, the past rarely comes up.”

“It didn’t used to be that way. There was a time when Obaasan would cradle me upon her lap and speak of bygone times. But…”

“But now… Naga is a different creature.”

“I don’t believe so. I mean… on the rare occasion she happens to be in the palace for a time, she will smile and talk openly with me.”

“Then, perhaps you should take better advantage of her lapse between summonses.” He pulled her closer. “I monopolize your time.” He kissed her forehead. “From now on, when Naga returns… I will let you have the time you need to know
who
you are… who Naga is.”