Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) (38 page)

Yvonne and Yvette planned a shopping trip
with Monica the next day. They didn’t want to spend
time
with her, but
their father had insisted.
They
notified Phillipe that Rita and Jessica were staying at
the Academy.

Phillipe asked.
“How long is Monica going to stay here?
We
can barely stand to be in the same room with her.
I
can’t believe that she’s related to us. There is
something off about her,” Yvonne said. “I almost
prefer Rita and Jessica’s company to hers.”
“Be careful. You don’t want to spend any
more time with those girls then you have to,” Phillipe
warned.
“That’s not going to be a problem. They’re
ignoring us.
Apparently they are too involved in their
wedding plans, to be bothered with any of us. Did you
know that we were not invited to Tristan and Jasmines
wedding?” Yvonne asked.
“I’m not surprised. You don’t really know
either of them.
I need to speak with your cousin
Monica.Where can we meet?” Phillipe asked.
“It would be safer to meet at our house.”
“Plan to be there at one o’clock and I’ll make
sure Richard is there.”
“Alright, but when we get home, don’t expect
us to spend any more time with Monica.”
“Just don’t be overtly rude to her. She doesn’t
know anyone at the Academy and we don’t want her to
feel neglected,” Phillipe warned.
“We’re going shopping this morning.
We can
show her where some of our favorite shops are, but
don’t expect us to become best friends.
Yvette and I
don’t really care for her attitude.”
Phillipe laughed. “I’m sure the other angel-
bloods are saying the same thing about you girls. I’ll
see you for lunch.”
Phillipe hung up the phone and
went into the kitchen to advise the cook they would be
having
company
for lunch and to prepare
three
additional plates.
The girls hung up the phone and took Monica
to one of their favorite boutiques to buy some new
clothes. “You’ll love this place.
They have all the
latest fashions,” Yvonne said.
They started to head towards the door, when
Monica stopped them. “Aren’t you staying here with
me?”
“We’ll be back when you’ve finished your
shopping.
My father expects us to meet him at one
o’clock,” Yvonne said. She looked at her watch. It was
already eleven.
“We’ll be having lunch at our house.
My
father will be sending a car, so don’t take too long.
You have about an hour. That should be enough time.
We’ll be at the end of the street at a coffee shop if you
need anything,” Yvette said. With that the girls hurried
out of the shop.
“My father will deal with them,” Natalie
huffed. “Treating me as if I were beneath them; I am
still a descendant of Lucifer.
They would do well to
remember that.”
She started rummaging through the
racks of clothing, picking up several outfits before
bringing them to the counter.

Aura
woke
up early the
next
morning and
immediately went to check on her little ones.
They
were
still
sleeping
soundly.
She
walked into the
kitchen to find Aidan waiting there for her.

“I know.
I just checked on them.
How long
have you been awake?”
“Not long I wanted to speak to you privately.”
“I don’t want to talk about Jeziel again Aidan.

We have already beaten that horse to death.”
“I’m not sure what that means, but I have some
new information aboutJeziel.”
“What news is that?”
“Her eyes are honey brown again,” he smiled.
“Jeziels eyes have returned to their original
color?”
“Yes. Doesn’t that give proof that she is
innocent?”
“Well it certainly is a conundrum to say the
least.”
“After what happened to Jayden, isn’t there a
chance she hasn’t fallen?”
“Did she agree to meet with the Council?”
“Not yet, but I’m sure I can convince her now.
I have to speak to your father about something else she
alluded to.”
“What would that be?”
She knew the truth
about Jeziel, but if her eyes had changed, Aidan would
see that as proof of her innocence.
He would never
believe she was fallen now.
“I tried to warn her about the Elite guard. She
said she wasn’t afraid of the Guard, but the Guild might
want to watch out for them.”
“She said that? What do you think she meant?”
“I don’t know. I was hoping your father might
have some idea.”
“Why would the Guild have to be fearful of the
Elite Guard?” Aura laughed.
“You met them before.
They are not to be
toyed with Aura. I told you then not all of them follow
the laws of Heaven.
“It doesn’t matter which laws they follow; the
Guild have always been faithful.”
“No one doubts their allegiance. Perhaps in her
own way, Jeziel is trying to protect them.”
“Perhaps, either way my father will be glad for
the news.”
Aura began making breakfast. “We should talk
about this later.I don’t want to talk in front of the little
ones.”
“What are your plans for the day?”
“I have a few things on my list for your sister’s
wedding
tomorrow. I suppose we’ll have a quiet
celebration this evening.”
Aidan laughed. “I thought I would marry
before Jasmine. I’m happy for her.
Tristan will be a
good husband.”
“They will both be good for each other.”
Aidan
wanted
desperately
to
give
Aura
Avriel’s ring that morning, but decided to wait. She
was
still
keeping her distance
from
him.
He
was
certain when she heard the news about Jeziel it would
change her mind, but he was wrong.
Eventually they
would have to discuss their future together; if there was
going to be one.

Henry decided to hold a closed meeting with
the Commission.
After all the spectators had cleared
the room, he addressed them.
He was sure Arthur had
already been briefed.

Meredith addressed the councilmen. “I fear my
son Caspian is no longer of this world and I am here to
request he be declared legally dead.”

Henry.
“I do. I can’t believe he wouldn’t have
contacted us if he werestill alive. I’m afraid I have to
agree with Meredith on this matter.”
“We will need some time to consider your
petition.
In light of your request we will postpone
Richard’s trial.”
The
members
looked at
each other
and
whispered something Meredith wasn’t able to hear.“Is
Caspian’s wife prepared to offer testimony in regards to
this petition?”
“Yes as I’ve told Henry she wants an end to
this matter, so she can move forward with her life.”
“Very well; we’ll meet tomorrow at nine
o’clock to consider your request.
We should have an
answer for you then,” Arthur said.
“Thank you.
It was a difficult, but necessary
decision.”
“You may take your leave now Ms Wycliffe.
We have other matters to discuss privately.
We can
assume you know your way out?”
Meredith knew the use of her maiden name
was to remind her she was no longer the Governor’s
wife. Instead of responding, she thanked them and
excused herself.
She
would advise
Richard his
trial
was
postponed indefinitely.“Fools, I wonder if they realize
the gift they have given to my son. They can enjoy their
little group for now, but when Richard takes over, they
will all suffer for their treatment of me.”

When Meredith arrived in Paris, Richard was
still there.“I have good news for you.”
“I trust your meeting with the Council went
well?” he asked.
“The Council will give us their decision
tomorrow.
They
have
postponed
your
trial
indefinitely.”
“That is good news.
Perhaps we can have a
little peace after that.”
“I assured them it wouldn’t be a problem for
Desiree to testify.”
“Did Henry argue when you made your
request?”
“No -actually he agreed with me.”
“What if they ask me about the baby?” Desiree
asked nervously.
“Make sure you wear something loose, so they
won’t be suspicious.”
“Yes
- it’s imperative
you
hide
your
pregnancy.
I told Henry your marriage
was never
consummated.
It was the only way I could convince
him to help us.”
“After the hearing, we’ll be free to marry,”
Richard said to Desiree.
“We won’t have to hide our relationship any
longer?”
“No, I’ll take good care of you and our son.
Was there any mention of Arian?”
“Not a word -perhaps they aren’t aware that
Arian is alive.”
“Natalie was certain Henry knew.
Perhaps
Mahlyssa realized there would be serious repercussions
if the truth was known. I may have misjudged her after
all,” Richard said. “Perhaps she’s more afraid of the
consequences to her children than she is about the
Guild. I suggest we relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
Perhaps we should discuss our nuptials,” he smiled at
Desiree.
“I thought we could have a simple service
here.”
“I will have to insist we have a reception after
we‘re married. I want to show off my new bride.”
“Meredith and I can plan the party,” Charisse
said.“We still have a few loyal friends.”
“What about your family?” Desiree asked.
“The only family I have is my mother and my
daughter.As long as you’re there, no one else matters.
I do need to check on Natalie, but I will return shortly.
Perhaps you can think about where we should go for
dinner.”
“I would love to go to the beach,” Desiree
admitted.
“We can talk about it more when I return.”
“What about the hearing?” Meredith asked.
“We’ll return in time for the hearing in the
morning.
A night away from here will do us both a
world of good.”
Richard kissed Desiree goodbye and promised
to return as soon as possible.

When he arrived at the Devereaux’s home in
New York, he found Natalie alone with Philippe. The
girls
had raced to their bedroom
as
soon as
they
arrived. The less time they spent with their cousin; the
better they liked it.

“So I trust you had no difficulties last night?”
he asked Monica.
“No father, my disguise worked perfectly.”
“I’ll be unavailable until tomorrow. I’m
planning to take Desiree to the beach for an overnight
rest.”
“What if something happens?
What
am
I
supposed to do? Jessica and Rita are staying at the
Academy.”
“Did they recognize you?”
“No, but I didn’t think Aura would recognize
me either.”
“Rita and Jessica will be too busy with their
wedding plans to pay any attention to you. I’ll return
tomorrow morning for the hearing.”
“They’re going to start your trial on Friday?”
“My trial has been postponed indefinitely.
They will be addressing the issue of Caspian’s death.”
“Caspian is dead? I didn’t hear anything about
that.How did he die?”
“Caspian is not dead, but your grandmother has
asked the Commission to have him declared legally
dead.”
“And Henry agreed to this?”
“Apparently he hasn’t heard from my brother
either. Once they declare Caspian’s death, I will be
free to marry Desiree.
We plan to marry as soon as
possible.”
“I suppose congratulations are in order,”
Phillipe said.
“I’m sure we’ll see you before the wedding.
We may get married the day after tomorrow, on New
Year’s Day. A new year to celebrate a new beginning;
quite befitting don’t you agree?” Richard asked.
“Won’t the Guild find it suspicious if you
marry so soon?”
“Do you think I care what the Guild thinks?”
“No father, of course not,” Natalie said
apologetically.
“I promised Desiree I would return home, so
I’ll leave you all now.
If anything drastic happens,
Phillipe can get in touch with me. But it had better be
an emergency, if you interruptmy dinner.”
“I hope you enjoy the beach,” Natalie said.
“Oh, I’m sure I will.” Richard laughed, and
then he was gone.

The
dresses
for the
wedding
arrived that
morning.
When the girls tried them on, there were no
alterations needed. Anastasia had outdone herself. The
gowns were beautiful.

Jasmine asked Tiffany to be her matron of
honor and Logan was chosen as the best man.
“You don’t mind do you?” Tristan asked
Aidan.
“Of course not, Logan is your best friend.”
“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. You’re
still planning to escort Aura to the wedding aren’t
you?”
“Have you heard something else?” he asked
Tristan.
“No, but I wanted to make sure you didn’t have
other plans.”
“Are you asking me if I am planning to see
Jeziel?”
Tristan became nervous.“Look Aidan I realize
Jeziel is your friend and you believe in her. I’m not
questioning your loyalty.
I was meaning to talk with
you before now. I don’t have a problem with you
bringing Jeziel, but the Guild might think it’s in poor
taste. I hardly think the reception is the place to air any
dirty laundry.”
Aidan became angry. “Why doesn’t anybody
else think she’s innocent but me? Did Aura tell you her
eyes are honey brown again? When Jayden’s eyes
turned from black to blue they accepted him. Why is
Jeziel treated like an outcast?”
“Jayden willingly met with the Guild and we
were able to determine his innocence.
If Jeziel would
come forward, they could put this whole matter to rest.”
“Jeziel is afraid.
She thinks they have already
decided her guilt and she doesn’t want to be punished.
Why is that so hard to understand?”
“I’m not the right person to answer that
question.Maybe you should talk to Paul.”
“I have spoken to Paul and he feels the same
way that you do.
If Aura would speak to Jeziel she
would know she’s telling me the truth.”
“Has Jeziel asked to meet with Aura?”
“No - she thinks Aura hates her because of
me.”
Tristan started to laugh. “Aura doesn’t hate
anybody.You of all people should know that.”
“I used to think I knew Aura, but she has
become so distant lately; I don’t know what to think
anymore.”
“It’s your decision to make. But if you’re not
planning to be in the wedding, you need to tell your
sister.”
“Do you think she’ll be upset with me?”
“She’ll understand. She’s known Jeziel as long
as you have.”
“Does Jasmine think Jeziel is responsible for
Elijah’s death?”
“The subject never came up. When Jeziel first
disappeared I think Jasmine was worried about her too.
I can’t speak for how she feels now. You’ll have to ask
her yourself.”
“Maybe I should speak with Aura first. I’ll let
you know my plans before the end of the day.”
Aidan pulled Aura aside from the decorating to
speak privately in the library. “I spoke to Tristan and
he was wondering if we were still planning to be in his
wedding.”
Aura
was
somewhat
taken
aback by
his
question.“Are you planning to go with someone else?
If you are it won’t be a problem. I can find someone
else to go with me.”
Aidan looked at her strangely. “Would you
rather go with someone else?”
“We’re really busy Aidan so why don’t you
come out and say what’s on your mind. I’m sure this
has something to do with Jeziel,” she said coolly.
“Why do you always have to bring her into it?
After I told you here eyes changed back, I thought you
would agree that she is still loyal to Heaven.
What
more does she have to do to meet with your approval?”
“What makes you think she needs my approval
for anything?I’m sure you believe she’s done nothing
wrong, but wouldn’t it be better if she met with the
Guild?”
“Would it make a difference to you?”
“My feelings about Jeziel have nothing to do
with your feelings about her. I’ve told you before,
you’re free to make your own choices; right; wrong; or
indifferent, they are yours to make.”
“So it doesn’t matter to you that she is
innocent?”
“I’m not convinced that she is.”
“Well at least now I know the truth. Perhaps it
would be betterif you attended Jasmine’s wedding with
someone else.”
“Whatever Aidan - I hope you at least have the
courtesy to ask Jasmine.
You need to make sure she
doesn’t mind if Jeziel attends as your date.”
“I’ll do that. And I will speak to Tristan’s
father to ask the Guild to grant Jeziel permission to
attend
the
wedding.
I
hardly
think I
need any
assistance from you.”
“Are we finished now?”
“Yes I believe we are.”
“Then you’ll please excuse me so I can get
back to my daughter.”
“She is my daughter too Aura.”
Aura turned sharply; fists clenched.
She stood
defiantly in front of Aidan; staring deep into his eyes.
“Know this - as long as you keep company with Jeziel;
Alannah will never be your daughter!” She turned and
walked out of the library, slamming the door behind
her.
Aura immediately went to the Guild. “I know
Jeziel has refused to meet with the Council, but we
really don’t have any proof that she was involved with
Elijah and Ericah’s deaths.
Aidan still believes in her
innocence
wedding.
and he
wants to bring her to Jasmine’s
I want you to oblige him.
I would also like
to ask you not to bring up the subject of Elijah’s death.
I refuse to spoil Jasmine’s big day. I know you don’t
understand, but I need to know if Aidan is walking
down a darkpath.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Paul
asked.
“I need to put an end to this game once and for
all.I can’t divulge everything to you yet; I need a little
more time.But I’m curious to see how Jeziel will act at
the wedding. Something is going to happen tomorrow
morning that will show me clearly whether Jeziel is still
loyal to Heaven.”
“What about Aidan?
Are
you sure
you
shouldn’t warn him about your visions?” Adam asked.
“Aidan is a grown man. And for the record, as
long as he is with Jeziel, he is not to be left alone with
my daughter.”
“Aura are you sure that’s wise?
“We’re not in any danger, but there is
something terrible in the works.
Also I want Aidan
released
as
my
guardian.
We
can
make
the
announcement today or tomorrow.
In fact, I will tell
him tonight after he meets with Jeziel.”
“Aidan was summoned here for a reason,” her
father said.
“Perhaps he was sent here to protect Jeziel.
I
hardly need his protection and I won’t be a party to her
deception any longer.
Aidan can remain in the house
because of Alannah.She loves him and I won’t see her
hurt again.”
“How do you know Aidan is planning to meet
with Jeziel again tonight?” Adam asked.
“She visits him every night.
I have no reason
to believe she won’t come again.”
“We need to discuss your request with the High
Council first,” Paul said.
“Tell them I no longer want him as a guardian.
If Jeziel is innocent, they can reassign Aidan to watch
over her.”
“What if the High Council refuses your
request?”
“Then I’ll be stuck with him until he’s called
back to Heaven. I have taken up enough of your time.
Please excuse me.” Aura walked out of the room
leaving the Guild with bewildered looks on their faces.
“What just happened?” Adam asked.
“I thought Aura and Aidan were getting along
so well.I expected them to be the next to be married,”
Joseph said.
“I’m sure Jeziel has something to do with this,”
Paul said.
“Aura knows more than she’s saying.
Do you
think she’s seen Aidan take the dark path?” Jack asked.
“No - she
would try to convince
him that
straying from his true path would be wrong,” Paul said.
“Something happened. I’ve never seen Aura so
upset before,” Adam remarked. “Do you think she has
remembered that she is Avriel and she’s angry because
she thinks Aidan is being unfaithful to her?”
“I need to speak with Aidan.
Before I do, we
are agreed to allow Jeziel to attend the wedding with
Aidan if she chooses?” Paul asked.
“I’m not happy about it, but as long as Tristan
and Jasmine don’t have a problem with it, we should
granther request,” Jack said. “I’ll speak with them
now. I’ll have an answer in a few minutes.”
“I would hate to hear the next conversation
Aura has with Aidan. Who do you think she will ask to
the wedding?” Adam asked.
“If I know Aura, she’ll ask Aureus and Dareus.
It should be an interesting evening,” Joseph said.
Aura waited for Jack to return to the library
before she joined the Guild.“Jasmine and Tristan have
reluctantly agreed to allow Aidan to bring Jeziel to the
wedding. The stipulation is she needs to remain on her
best
behavior. We don’t need a repeat of what
happened at Rusty and Renatta’s wedding.”
“I’m sure Aidan will make her aware she will
be watched closely,” Aura smiled.
“Are you certain this is the right thing to do
Aura?”
“If Jeziel feels she is being accepted, it will
benefit all of us.”
“We already know she’s had dealings with
Natalie and Samhael.
How can her acceptance benefit
us?”
Aura looked at them and smiled. “You will
have to trust me about this. I don’t suppose the High
Council has rendered a decision about removing Aidan
as my guardian?”
“They feel it would be unwise at this time; I’m
sorry,” Paul said.
“It is what it is.”
“I wish you would be more forthcoming about
what’s about to happen so we can be prepared,” Joseph
said.
“Let me handle the details for now.”
“We have never doubted your sight before,”
Paul said.
“You’ll have a great many questions answered
tomorrow, I promise.” With that Aura walked out of the
library.