Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) Read online

  “Aye.” He nodded his head knowingly. “After three years of mourning, yer torch still burns for the lad, does it nae?”

  Her brows furrowed as she cast a questioning glance his way.

  He chuckled. “Aye, Lass, ye caught me.” He playfully yanked one of her curls. “I kept an eye on ye while ye were away. I cannae help prying where yer concerned.”

  “So… you know then? You know where I’ve been hiding these last few years.”

  “Aye, that I do. Alas, it wasnae a big surprise. I knew where ye’d eventually end up the day we found ye on Val Hal. It pained my heart. Yet, I knew.”

  She chuckled softly. “Is that so? And just how could you be knowing a thing like that, most beautiful of my brothers?”

  He bumped her with his shoulder. “When I saw ye with Finnean… I just knew.”

  She turned to him, wide-eyed. “Ahh, you knew my Finnean?”

  “Aye, Lass. I knew him well.” Vittorio tightened his hold upon her tiny hand. “He was of me.”

  She stopped breathing. Her eyes glassed over as her mind took her back to the beautiful man she had loved and lost, all too soon.

  “Of… you?”

  Her pained whisper wasn’t truly a question.

  “Aye, Lass, of me.”

  Fresh tears burned the backs of her eyes, made her jaw bones ache. “That explains so much.”

  “Aye, an’ Vareilious has been the devil tae live with ever since we stood in that palace hall, watching ye melt intae my fair son’s arms.”

  Her gaze remained fixed on nothingness. “Your… son…” She echoed his words automatically, numbly.

  “Aye, my son.”

  She swayed slightly then shook her head, bringing her mind back to the present.

  “Here now, Lass. Are ye well?”

  “He was my whole world.” Her words were tiny. Her voice, distant. “When Drostan’s blade pierced his noble heart, mine stopped beating as well.” She dropped to a whisper. “In truth… I’m not certain it ever started back.”

  Vittorio pulled her onto his lap, rubbing her back. “I dinnae mean tae renew yer grief, Princess.”

  “It has been over three years since we were parted. Still, I can barely breathe without him, Vittorio.” She buried the side of her face against his massive chest. “How can seven years fly by in but an instant? I merely blinked… and it was over. How can those seven years sweep by me like the morning mists of summer… and the following three seem to last a dozen lifetimes?”

  “Pain has a way of doing that tae us, my wee darlin’. Happiness is fleeting… pain wulnae let go.”

  “Tell me your story, Brother. Tell me how you came to have such an incredible son, and why you kept him hidden from me.”

  “Are ye sure yer heart can handle it right now?”

  He felt her nod against him. The slight movement of her head caused her curls to brush across his skin, sending chills down his spine.

  He wrapped his arms around her. “Very well, wee rabbit.” Vittorio took a deep breath. “As for why I dinnae mention him tae ye, well, that should be obvious. He was rare an’ beloved by all. I knew ye’d be smitten with the lad if ye ever laid eyes upon him. An’ I’m a jealous Guardian.” He kissed the top of her head. “I wanted ye all tae myself.”

  She released a tiny chuckle and nuzzled even closer against him.

  “I gave seed for that valiant young man because he had a purpose, an important destiny tae fulfill.” He felt her warm tears cooling upon his flesh. “She was just a wee thing, his mum, fragile an’ fair.”

  “Did you love her?”

  “Aye, in a way. She was my mission. Yet… I worried over her, took special care of her. We dinnae live as man an’ wife. I gifted her with the child that would one day save the King. But, I saw tae her… every day.” The memory brought a smile to his face. “Her hair was the color of flax, so pale an’ lovely. She had tiny freckles sprinkled across her wee nose. She looked more like a doll than a woman.”

  Jenevier felt his chest rise and fall as he drew in a haggard breath.

  “I cherished the wee thing.” He sighed. “Perhaps I loved her… aye, I loved her.” He paused. “When the time came for our son’s arrival, I was with her. I feared she wasnae strong enough tae live through it. Alas, love lends strength when all should be lost. When that wee babe cried, a new light shone in her lovely eyes… blinding it was.”

  Jenevier felt the warm teardrops as they landed atop her head, soaking into her curls. She looked upon her brother’s face. It was her turn to be the comforter. She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head upon his shoulder, waiting for his haunting story to continue.

  “He was the most beautiful wee lamb I’d ever laid eyes on.” Vittorio’s smile was like the heavens, a far-off look in his proud eyes. “She named him Finnean. Crowned with snow, he was. Fair as an Angel. He brought life back intae that fragile wee mother of his, enough tae hold her weak heart until he was a good sized lad.”

  When Vittorio fell silent, Jenevier gave him a moment alone with his thoughts before she spoke.

  “What happened to her?”

  “Aye, Lass. She just dinnae wake up one morn. She was working at the palace by then. Everyone loved the lad upon sight. King Brodder raised Finnean as his own, even made him Hand. That fair-haired man was loved by all who laid eyes upon him.”

  “As is his father.”

  Vittorio sniffed. “Aye, Lass, ye broke my heart.” He lightly kissed her forehead. “Yet, I dinnae shed tears. How could I fault my own blood for being wholly smitten with ye? He came by it honest.” He softly tugged on one of her curls. “Yet, I couldnae be happy for ye, either. I knew the lad’s purpose, knew his light would be snuffed oot before his time. I did shed tears over that, Lass, over the pain I knew yer wee heart couldnae bear… but was destined tae feel.”

  “Vittorio, I would gladly bear the pain of losing him, bear it every day for all eternity… just to be blessed with knowing him. I wouldn’t trade my amazing years with Finnean for any treasure in the universe, for any favor heaven could bestow. Such was our love.”

  “Aye, Lass, ye make my heart swell.”

  She chuckled softly. “I wondered how one as rare and beautiful as him came to be. I fell for him upon sight, Vittorio. He loved me the first day. Did you know that?”

  “Of course he did, Lass.” Vittorio wiped away a tear. “The lad was more like his father than I knew.”

  She smiled, joy dancing in her watery eyes. “When I first tasted him, the reaction was nigh uncontrollable for us both.”

  “Aye, I know the feeling,” he mumbled.

  “I wanted to gobble him up.” She giggled. “As I ponder the whole of it, I believe he is the very reason I fell upon that layer. We were both in need of the rarest love imaginable, him and me. And that’s exactly what we got. I wouldn’t have missed it for the whole of creation.”

  “Aye, who’d of thought the wee soul Varick carried tae Ashgard, would one day cross paths with the seed I left upon Val Hal? This universe yet holds many secrets, Lass.”

  “That it does, Brother.” She kissed his cheek. “Tell me. What does your mask look like, Vittorio? How did Finnean’s mother see you? Did you look as Finnean?”

  He chuckled softly. “I’ll share that wee secret with ye one day, Lass… perhaps.” He returned the favor of a kissed cheek. “So, tell me. When are ye gonna give me that day ye promised me?”

  She met his gaze and furrowed her brow.

  “I asked ye oot, an’ ye’ve made me wait a decade tae see ye in that rare red dress I gifted ye.”

  “Apologies, Brother.” New tears filled her eyes. “I left it on Val Hal. I could never take it from our bedchambers. The pain of it was too great. I simply could not bear to remove my wedding dress. It hangs there still, alongside my dear husband’s garments from that day.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “We wore them… every year on the day of our marriage. We would wake early and ride off to spend the day alone, tog
ether in some forgotten place of that beautiful realm. No one could find us. They knew better than to even try.” She smiled then. “Finnean loved the look of me in that dress. Alas, it didn’t stay on me for long.” She laughed softly. “He was an extremely passionate man. He loved me too much… as I did him.”

  “So then, my son got tae fulfill the fantasy I’ve carried in my heart for so many glorious years.” He chuckled. “Everything happens for a reason, I suppose. It nae crossed my mind when I led ye intae that wee shop, I was buying yer wedding dress for my own son.”

  She squeezed his neck. “Is life not grand and wonderful?”

  “Aye, Lass. Magical beyond belief.”

  “I love you, Vittorio.”

  “An’ I love ye more, wee Angel.”

  “Come on then. Let’s just go.” She smiled and rubbed their noses together. “Nothing holds us here, Brother. Let’s go. Take me to this secret place you are certain I have never seen before.”

  He stared at her, shocked. “Ye mean… our date? Ye want tae go now?”

  “Yes. Why wait? Who knows what might happen to one of us in the next heartbeat. Our lives have proven that truth more than anyone’s. I do not plan on waiting another ten years to smile the way only you can make me smile, Vittorio.”

  “An’… ye believe yer heart can handle it?”

  “Honestly? I don’t know. But… I have grievously mourned my beloved Finnean for years… three long and bloody years. My rare white warrior would be extremely cross with me if he knew I locked myself away somewhere, hiding from life, hiding from love.” She smiled then and playfully pinched his arm. “Tell me, Brother. Is it truly my heart you are worried about? Perhaps it is your heart we should be more concerned with.”

  “Aye, Lass. Ye know me too well.”

  “Come on, Vittorio. Let’s get all dressed up and everything. Do you wish me to go to Val Hal? You are the only one I would do it for, the only one I would wear it for.” She gently fingered his long silver braid. “I think it would make Finnean smile, knowing I now donned it for the glorious man who gave him life.”

  “Nae, Lass. That treasure belongs tae him now. Perhaps it always did. Besides, yer memories are too precious where he’s concerned, my wee darlin’. We’ll make our own memories, Princess.” He chuckled. “Ye ready tae get started then? My heart’s racing at the thought.”

  She giggled. “Shall I go home and change then? I certainly cannot go like this.”

  She looked down at the destroyed dress she now wore, covered in her blood and that of a maniacal killer, one who shared the beautiful face of her dear friend and royal Hand.

  “An’ risk Daichi snatching ye away from me yet again? Nae, wee rabbit.” He motioned with his head toward the water. “Jump in the pool an’ wash yer curls, Lass. All yer sweet smelling things are by the waterfall still. I’ll be back before ye can even miss me.”

  She winked. “Too late.”

  He was still laughing when he entered the clouds.

  “Wear your white kilt, Brother,” she shouted, just as he disappeared.

  *****

  When Jenevier broke through the water’s surface, she felt better than she had in weeks.

  “Ahh, I love Princess Falls. This magical place is a tiny heaven… floating upon the fires of hell—my oasis from the universe.”

  “Aye, exactly as it should be. That was its intent, wee lamb.”

  “Wow… You are truly a divine vision, Brother. I do not recall you looking quite so handsome the last time you donned that pristine skirt.”

  “Aye, dunnae call it a skirt, Lass. Men dunnae wear skirts.”

  “And you are definitely all man, Vittorio. You, my rarest Guardian, are mightier than a titan and more beautiful than heaven’s own Angels. Trust me. I have seen them. They cannot hold a candle to you, Brother.”

  “Aye, Lass. Ye talk aboot me as if I hung the stars.”

  She giggled. “Not only the stars, but the sun and moon as well, sweet Guardian.”

  He pulled a dress out from behind his back.

  “And just how in the world did you manage that?” She stepped from the water. “How did you know this one was my favorite? The special kimono Yui gifted me when first we escaped the palace. I save it only for special occasions.”

  “Aye, an’ can ye think of one more special than this, Lass?”

  “No, Brother. That is the perfect dress for this most perfect of days.” She dried off and stepped before him, arms spread wide. “But how ever did you manage it?”

  He began to drape the lovely silk around her. “I have my ways,” he teased. “Let’s just say, ye have a spy living at the royal palace.”

  She giggled. “Raven-haired?”

  “Nae, Lass. Sapphire.”

  “Daichi? No way—”

  “Aye, Lass. Do ye think me mad? Nae Daichi.”

  “What? …Tenshi?”

  “Aye, an’ excited aboot it, nae less. Told me tae take his mother in my arms an’ nae let her go.” Vittorio turned her around to face him. “He said… Nae does she smile like she does when she thinks of ye.”

  “My son said that?”

  “Aye, an’ that’s nae all. He told me tae hold ye like a man, nae a friend. He said I should place my manacle upon yer hand, minus yer protest or consent, an’ leave our child within ye before the sun rose on a new day.”

  “Yes. I can hear him saying that now.” She chuckled, shaking her head. “I will have to give him a good thrashing when I get back home. I spared the rod with that one.”

  “He has a beautiful wee babe of his own. She’s a walking, talking, breathing wee doll, she is.”

  Jenevier’s face beamed. “That little Angel is my whole world. When Daichi returned my essence and I made my way back to Jinn, Mika was ecstatic. She had been awaiting my return for a couple years. Her parents had given their consent. They only needed my permission… and my son.” She softly laughed at the memory. “Tenshi nearly tore Vareen’s door off getting back to his little Mika. They were wed that same day and probably pregnant before the dawn. Never have I seen two people any happier than those two. They have only ever loved each other… since they were but children.”

  “Aye, we should all be so lucky.”

  “Yes. If everyone was so gloriously blessed, I would be out of a job. There would be no need for a Death Angel—were all hearts as pure as theirs.”

  He finished tying her obi and she turned back to face him.

  “Wow… I cannae believe I’m saying this. But, nae have I seen ye look so lovely, Lass.”

  She giggled. “You say that every time, Brother.”

  “Shhh, now. Nae more with this brother stuff. Ye’ve blessed me with my promised day an’ I have yer only son’s noble blessing. I’m bent on changing yer mind where I’m concerned. Nae will I leave ye alone, my love. Ye have eternity tae tell me nae. An’ I have just as long tae convince ye tae say yes.” He kissed her hand. “Now, when we enter the clouds, close yer eyes. I want tae look upon yer lovely face when I tell ye tae open them. Nae have ye seen anything like this before.”

  Her giggles rained down upon Lyra as the happy celestial creatures held hands and flew into the clouds.

  *****

  Jenevier had her fingers over Vittorio’s, covering her eyes, as he slowly led her to their magical destination.

  “Just a few more steps, Lass.”

  “Are there people around?”

  “Aye, a few.”

  “They must think me mad—a woman, walking about with her eyes covered.”

  He chuckled. “Aye, an’ talking tae herself all the while.”

  She giggled.

  “We’re here, Lass,” he whispered. “Now, keep yer eyes closed until I tell ye. Promise me.”

  “I promise, Brother… umm… I mean, Vittorio.”

  He removed his hands. She heard his invisible footsteps upon the stones. She waited patiently, eyes tightly shut.

  “Now… open,” he whispered.

 
Vittorio had been right. Never had she seen a place such as this. It was pure magic. The ground, the trees, the very air around her was all draped in the loveliest shade of pink she had ever seen. Holding her arms out wide, she spun in a slow circle, letting the delicate petals light upon her cheeks, hide within her curls.

  “Oh… Vittorio… I have not the words.” She looked at him with a smile on her face that would shame the heavens. “I never wish to leave this place. How do you do it? How do you always gift me with such rare magic? How are you even real, sweet Guardian?”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “So, ye like it then?”

  She buried her face in his chest. “I love it. More than feeble words can confess. Promise me something.”

  “Anything, Milady.”

  “When I die, if ever that should happen, bury me here beneath these enchanting trees. And if I turn to ashes, bring them here. Let them mingle with these petals upon the winds.”

  “Aye, Lass. If I live through yer death, I promise tae do just that.”

  “Never let me go,” she whispered.

  “I dunnae plan tae.” He got down on his knees and looked up at her. “Jenevier, Mother of Angels, Empress of Jinn, an’ the only keeper of mine noble heart…”

  Tears blurred her eyes. She tried to blink them away. This perfect man kneeling before her, covered in cherry blossoms, took her breath away. Her heart swelled to bursting.

  “…will ye bestow upon me the greatest honor this universe can even hold? Will ye stay with me always? Will ye accept my manacle an’ be my eternal Anicee? Will ye gift me with yer smile forever an’ make me the happiest man that’s ever lived?”

  She couldn’t stop her tears then. She touched his perfectly sculpted face and smiled so big it made the muscles in her cheeks burn. They gazed upon each other. Words left her. She could only nod… and smile.

  What could be more perfect than this? she thought.

  “Sakura? Is that you? Sakura Mankai?”

  She casually glanced toward the unfamiliar voice, growing ever louder as it neared.

  Vittorio stood, growling at the large man fast approaching his Princess.