Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) (10 page)

“You hate my eyes?”

“
All
Elf eyes—solid black with bright grey centers.” She shuddered again. “I was cursed with eyes akin to those once. Eyeballs should be white. End of story.”

Baytac chuckled then. “So you
don’t
think I’m pretty?”

“Not in the least. But I admire the hell out of your strength, Brother. You are one awesomely fierce opponent.”

“Not true.” He snorted. “Once you got serious, you took both my legs with a single strike.”

“Eh, that’s got nothing to do with
your
strength, Brother. That’s my job. It’s what I do, what I was built for.”

“Chopping folk’s legs off?”

Jenevier snickered. “No. Killing them. Reaping their wicked souls.”

“You’re telling me you’re a Death Angel. You? All tiny and sparkly and painted up like a rainbow.”

“Yep.” She smiled. “It’s all part of my
master
disguise
.”

Baytac chuckled and turned back to the mirror. “Tell me something, tiny Angel.”

She peered over his shoulder, resting her chin there as she gazed into his looking glass.

“What do you want to know, Brother?”

“You fixed so many things about me… why did you leave my scar?”

Jenevier reached around him, lightly tracing the deep line down his face. “The truth?”

He barely nodded.

“I like your scar.” She smiled. “I think it’s sexy.”

Baytac’s eyes widened slightly, then he smiled. “Gratitude, Death Angel. No one’s ever told me that before.”

“Then you have been hanging around the wrong people.” She winked at him. “And, call me Naga. Okay?”

“What does it stand for—your name? What does Kagi Naga mean?”

“Fire lizard.”

He chuckled softly. “Yeah… I can see that.”

“Truly?” She pinched his arm. “Most people say it doesn’t suit me at all.”

“Those must be the people you have never crossed blades with.”

“Perhaps.” She chuckled. “Quid pro quo.”

“Go on,” he answered softly.

“What does Baytac mean?”

“Monster.”

Jenevier smiled. “Fierce monster, one I would feel safe defending my realm.”

He gazed at her in silence.

“What, Baytac? What is it?”

He waited a moment before answering. “Who are you… really?”

She sighed. “You wish me to lay all my sins bare while you sharpen your sword?”

“No…” He smiled. “While I sharpen my arrows. I have already crossed blades with you, Naga. I’d feel safer—dropping you from afar.”

Baytac chuckled then, but Jenevier did not share in his gentle laughter.

“…My third husband was master of the bow,” she whispered. “No man could best him. He had no equal.”

“Third husband?”

She nodded. “Finnean—the rare white warrior of Val Hal.”

“What happened?”

“…I buried his remains.”

“I am sorry.”

She only gave him a tight-lipped smile via response.

He gently lifted her chin. “Does the same hold true for the first two as well?”

“Pretty much.” Jenevier wiped at her coming tears. “Varick turned to ash in my arms… and I sent Vindicus back to hell by my own hand.”

Baytac carefully, tenderly stroked her curls. “…You have had a rough life.”

Jenevier smiled then. “Not nearly as rough as you, Brother. I want you to promise me something.”

“What is it?”

“Promise me you won’t stay hidden away any longer.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m no fool, Elf. I know that’s what you’re doing all the way out here—hiding from life, from others, from your own heart. You are an amazing creature, Baytac—strong and intelligent and fierce as hell. I mean… it’s time to show Ashgard their diamond in the rough. If you wanted, you could easily stand at Alastyn’s right.”

“Alastyn? You are on a first name basis with the Olden King of this layer?”

“I should hope so. I mean… he
was
my first love, after all.”

“Your first love?”

Jenevier nodded. “I told you I grew up on Ashgard. Alastyn and I… we fell in love upon sight.” Her smile faded. “But we were soon parted… all
too
soon,” she whispered. “I went through hell, Baytac—literally. And Alastyn… well, Alastyn wasn’t spared from torment, either. He went through his own
personal
sort of hell.” She swallowed hard. “The two of us… we weren’t truly reunited until we were long since grown.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She smiled softly. “After all those years, we finally got to share in our first kiss. It was in these very woods—at Jezreel and Kias’s wedding celebration, no less.”

“The night he was declared the King.”

She nodded. “When we kissed, I tasted it in him—something strange… ancient.”

“An Olden.”

“Yeah… that’s what Dofarel said.”

Baytac gently tugged on one of her curls. “You do know… he married Izadori.”

Jenevier shook her head. “I didn’t know for sure, no. But I figured as much.”

He gently squeezed her shoulder. “You okay?”

She chuckled softly. “Yes, Baytac. Don’t worry about me. I’ve had more than my fair share of rare husbands, to be sure.” She grabbed his hand. “Come, Brother. I have friends to meet and much to discuss.”

He jerked free. “I’m not going to Arbordell.”

“What?”

“You heard me, Angel.” Baytac crossed his arms over his chest. “I said… I’m not going to Arbordell.”

Jenevier chuckled again. “Umm… yeah. Yeah, you are.”

*****

“I knew I felt your presence.” Jezreel ran to her, embracing her tightly. “I felt you and your Dragon enter this realm in the early morning hours. What took you so long? Don’t tell me you went to Wrothdem before you came to see me?”

“No, sweet sister.” Jenevier smiled. “I haven’t seen Alastyn. I came to you as soon as I arrived. I just got… sidetracked in the forest. That’s all.”

“You got lost?”

“No. Not lost. Actually, I came across a new friend.”

“New friend?” Kias said, greeting her with a gentle hug. “In Mangladune?”

“Yes.” Jenevier waited for the elegant Elf to finally release her. “Is your father around, Kias? I have much to ask him. We can catch up on all the fun, gossipy stuff later.”

Kias smiled softly. “As you wish, Empress. I will send for him—” 

“No need,” Dofarel said, coming into the room. “I have been tracking our lovely guest since the moment she emerged from the clouds.” He kissed both of Jenevier’s cheeks. “I am honored you asked for me personally, Guardian of Dragons. Come. Let us have tea while we talk.”

“That sounds delightful.” She smiled brightly. “Oh, but do you mind? I have brought a guest with me.”

“A guest?” Kias furrowed his brow, looking toward the door. “I cannot sense the presence of a stranger. Are you certain they have accompanied you into Arbordell?”

“I am quite certain,” Jenevier said as she headed out of the room. “I dragged him here myself.”

Jezreel, Kias, and King Dofarel exchanged curious glances during her brief absence—quickly turning back her way as she reentered the room, tugging on her unwilling guest’s large hand.

“Meet my new friend,” Jenevier said, smiling.

The trio of Elves stared at the other man for several long heartbeats, before Jezreel took a single, hesitant step forward.

“B-Baytac?” Her voice trembled. “Is it truly you?”

He bowed low before the Elven Princess. “Yes, Mistress Jezreel. It is I.”

“Y-you’re all grown up now.” Jezreel sniffed and wiped at her eyes. “Gone is the boy I once knew. Please, stand.” She took both of his hands in hers. “I missed you so much, Baytac. I worried and prayed for you… daily.”

“Apologies, Princess.” He blushed and glanced away. “I never meant for you to… I mean… I never wanted to see you cry. Forgive me, Mistress.”

Jenevier cleared her throat. “Dofarel?”

The stunned Elf King finally pulled his gaze from the large man before them, and turned to face her.

Jenevier smiled up at him. “Didn’t you mention something about… tea?”

Chapter 7

Jenevier

(ZHEN-ah-veer)

“Seventeen?” Jenevier’s mouth fell open. But how— No. Why?”

“Why?” Jezreel only smiled. “Because I love children.”

Jenevier snorted. “I love them, too. But that doesn’t mean I have to populate an entire village with my own womb.”

Kias stifled a chuckle. “Perhaps your astonishment concerning this is caused by your whole
passage of time
problem you were speaking about earlier.”

Jenevier furrowed her brow—gazing at the speaking Prince, yes, but not fully comprehending his meaning.

“Jenevier.” Jezreel took her hand, giving it a little squeeze. “It has been over fifty years, old friend. We are still young.” She glanced over at her smiling husband. “We still have many more years left for offspring.”

“What are you saying, Jezreel?” Jenevier jerked her hand free. “That you plan on having
more
babies?”

“Many more, yes,” Kias said with a smile.

Jenevier turned a vicious glare toward the charming Elf Prince. “Would you be so damn happy about it, were
you
the one having to push them out?”

Jezreel gasped. “Jenevier!”

“Hush, Jezreel.” She turned her attention back to Kias. “I told you to take special care with her. I trusted you to keep her safe.”

“And I have upheld my promise to you… every single moment of every single day.” Kias set his teacup down. “Mi Sharna, reassure your lovely friend concerning your emotional, as well as physical, wellbeing.”

“I was trying to,” Jezreel said, pouting. “But she told me to hush.”

“By the gods!” Jenevier blew out an exasperated sigh. “What has happened to you, Jezreel? Have you become as an infant in my absence? Why are you acting like a spoiled, scolded child? When have you
ever
hushed, just because I told you to?”

Dofarel cleared his throat. “Madam Empress.”

Jenevier turned toward the Elven King.

He smiled softly. “Tell me. What is it that troubles you, Guardian of Dragons?”

“What troubles me?” She snorted, sardonically. “The fact my beloved friend’s life has been placed in peril so many times. And the fact that your
pretty
little son over there…” Jenevier motioned toward Kias as she spoke. “…plans to happily continue in this madness.”

“What in it is madness?” Dofarel said. “Since coming to Arbordell, Jezreel has been in no danger.”

“How can you say that?” Jenevier slapped her hands down on the soft chair arms. “She has given birth seventeen times, Dofarel. Her life has been in mortal danger during each and every one of those births.”

“Not so,” the King softly said. “Her experiences have been far different than yours, Kagi Naga. Your worrying is for naught.”

Jenevier snarled. “Why you ancient… smug… fragile-looking—”

Baytac quickly kicked her boot with his. It was not done in secret. Everyone saw. Jenevier closed her eyes, bit her lip, and took a deep breath.

“What I meant to say was…” She slowly opened her eyes. “…childbirth can be an extremely dangerous endeavor. No matter your race or form.”

Dofarel shook his head. “Not so with Elves. When the time is right, we sing the babe into the world. The mother experiences no pain. Neither does the child.”

Jenevier could take it no more. She jumped to her feet, hissing her words out through clenched teeth. “How can you sit there and say that with a straight face, when Baytac alone stands as proof of your lies?”

“Baytac?”

Everyone turned to face the lovely, elegant Elf maiden as she entered the room.

“Did someone mention Baytac? Has there been fair news concerning him?” The beautiful young woman focused on Jenevier. “Please, Milady. Please come bearing only favored news concerning my treasured friend. Tell me he is well. Tell me he thrives. Tell me he is happy.”

“Jenevier.” Kias came to stand beside her as he spoke. “I would like for you to meet one of our daughters, Princess Kaleeska.” He motioned toward the young woman. “Kali, this is Jenevier Embarr.”

“Oh!” The girl smiled happily. “Mama’s dearest friend.”

“Pleased to meet you, Princess.” Jenevier bowed in her Dragon manner. “And as for your friend Baytac.” She glanced at the seated man before her, then back up to the waiting woman still standing in the doorway. “He is well. Yes, he thrives. As for his happiness… I cannot say. He normally only growls and grumbles at me. His handsome smile is a rare treat indeed.”

Baytac kicked at her boot again. Jenevier quickly stepped to the side, avoiding the blow as she kept her gaze locked with the now confused-looking Princess.

The large half-Elf grumbled before clearing his throat. Standing as he turned to face their newest guest, Baytac bowed low.

“Princess Kali… it has been ages, Milady.”

The Elf Princess squealed as she ran toward Baytac. He barely had time to recover from his bow, before the happy young woman leapt into his arms.

“Well then.” Jenevier glanced sideways at Kias. “I take it they know each other?”

“Yes,” Kias said. “Kaleeska is ten years Baytac’s junior. When she was yet small,
he
became her pick among our children. Baytac doted on her, and Kali worshipped the ground he walked on. But that was many years ago now.”

“Hmpft.” Jenevier snorted. “Doesn’t look like things have changed all that much.”

“No,” Kias whispered, mostly to himself. “I suppose they have not.”

Jenevier slapped Kias’s back. “Elves—all that touchy-feely affection yous guys show.” She smiled. “Glad to see you have passed it on to your children.”

Kias didn’t answer.

“I cannot believe how much you have changed,” Kaleeska said, leading Baytac out of the room. “You’ve gotten so tall. Prince Rondell will be green with envy. Come. We have
years
to catch up on. I want to know everything. You look so strong, Baytac. Ooh… I have missed you sooo much.”

As their happy voices faded away, Jenevier crinkled up her nose and sighed. “Ahh, young love.” She elbowed Kias. “Isn’t it magical?”

Still, Kias did not answer.

*****

Jenevier sighed and leaned against the balcony, looking out over the enchanting city of Arbordell. “So… what do you think, Dofarel? Any whisperings on the wind?”

“Apollyon really spooked you, did he not?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Vindicus isn’t really the type of creature to worry about things. I mean, if the universe was going all to hell, you’d think he would be smiling.”

“But he wasn’t smiling, was he?” Dofarel said, moving closer to her. “Your precious dark Angel didn’t smile for you when he mentioned the thinning.”

“…No. He did not.”

“Hell fears nothing, Empress.”

She sighed softly. “I used to think the same thing.”

“Not so anymore?”

Jenevier shook her head. “No, Dofarel. Not so… not anymore.”

The Elven King leaned into her, breathing in deep from her lavender-scented curls. “You seem so strong, Kagi Naga.” He smiled softly. “May I touch you now? When last we met, you were vehemently opposed to the idea.”

“Will our physical contact hasten the answers I seek?”

He twisted one of her curls around his finger. “It couldn’t hurt.”

She smiled. “You
do
realize I am a happily married woman, do you not?”

“My touch has nothing to do with desire, Empress.” Dofarel gently traced the outline of her jaw with his fingertip. “Let me show you the euphoria of communing with Elves, Milady. If you find my caress distasteful in any way… I will cease our fleshly contact.”

“It’s okay,” Jezreel whispered. “You are stronger now, Jenevier. I can sense it.”

“Stronger?” Jenevier half snorted. “Such could prove deadly for your beloved King, my dear.”

Jezreel smiled. “Trust me, old friend. Kias and I are right here. We will intervene if things start to go badly for either of you. Jenevier, you know I would die before I ever let anything bad happen to you.”

Dofarel gently embraced Jenevier, whispering near her ear, “I couldn’t imagine a more divine way to die, Milady—inhaling your intoxicating scent, wandering through your magically beautiful mind.” He brushed the tip of his sharp nose against her cheek. “Come, Empress. Walk with me through our Wonderland—a place you have never experienced before.”

“Your Wonder—”

Her breath hitched when King Dofarel began humming.

He moaned softly. “Your magic is strong, Empress.”

It took Jenevier a moment to catch her breath enough to speak. “As is yours, Your Grace.”

“Together,” he whispered. “We would be an extremely powerful force to be reckoned with… were we
together
.”

“…Yes, we would.”

“I will offer up a blessing of thanks this evening,” he said softly.

Jenevier tried, but couldn’t open her eyes. “…Thanks? For what?”

Dofarel smiled. “That we were never given such a chance—to mingle our magic.”

Jenevier smiled then, but didn’t speak.

“I now see within you, Milady,” he whispered.

“What do you see?”

“Love… passion… a fierce heart.” He tightened his embrace. “When you love, tiny Angel… even hell cannot stand against you.”

She chuckled softly. “That is no secret. Such is known by all, good King.”

“Perhaps…” He inhaled her scent once more. “Yet, of all the pieces of your heart you have entrusted to others… none are quite as strong as the piece you gifted the one you bonded with.”

“I have bonded with far too many to even guess who it is you now speak of.”

“Not so, lovely Angel. The one who truly
owns
you… he is ever near.” Dofarel chuckled. “You demanded it be so… and he wishes it no other way.”

“…Yui?”

“No, Milady. No mere Shinobi could hold such sway with you. No man, no Angel, no Guardian. And to my chagrin, not even an Elf could possess you so wholly.”

“What are you talking about, Dofarel?”

“You know the truth of it, Guardian of Dragons.
You
tell
me
.”

“Nilakanta?” She sort of snorted. “Well, yeah. Of course he owns me. As I own him.
That
bond will not be severed… even in death.”

“As it should be,” Dofarel whispered, before resuming his magical tune.

Jenevier was swept away in his enchanting song. Even though she would almost rather eat stones than admit it… her contact with the ancient Elven King was beyond euphoria. It truly was a magical sort of Wonderland. When his humming finally ended, she tried to resist coming back to reality.

“I do not believe either one of us could stand a moment longer,” Dofarel whispered softly. “Your surrender tempts me past my strength, lovely Angel. Open your eyes.” He lightly ran his fingers down her iridescent cheek. “Open your eyes now, Kagi Naga, or I will succumb. I will sing you right into paradise… and never let you go.”

Jenevier smiled as she ever so slowly obeyed. She glanced over toward Kias then.

“Jezreel never stood a chance, did she, Elf?”

Kias smiled knowingly as he bowed toward her.

“Jezreel,” Jenevier said, sighing. “Once again, sweet sister… I am jealous of you.”

Jezreel only blushed.

“And…” Jenevier waited until Jezreel met her gaze. “I now understand why you have birthed seventeen precious children. In truth, I am surprised there are only seventeen offspring to speak of. Were it me—”

“Jenevier!” Jezreel blushed even brighter. “Hush now.”

Jenevier chuckled. “Who would have ever thought
you
would turn out to be the shy one of our pair? My, how things have changed.”

“Yes,” Dofarel said. “So it is when you find yourself lucky enough to be wooed by one with Elven magic.”

“Yes.” Jenevier smiled as she glanced down toward the enchanting gardens below them. “Tell me, my friends. How much stronger is the pull… when partners
both
share such magic?”

“What are you—” Kias’s words caught in his throat when he followed Jenevier’s sparkling gaze.

“Ahh.” She smiled and gently patted Kias’s shoulder. “First love is a precious thing indeed.”

“But…” Kias paused.

“Apologies, good Prince,” Jenevier said. “It seems my guest—although normally rough and grim—seems to be easily making your fair daughter smile like the sun. Listen. I can hear her giggles from here.”

“But… How? He is not even—”

Jenevier only patted his shoulder again as she turned to go. “Remember, Kias. Call to mind what it is you already know.”

He turned to face her then.