Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (20 page)

Chapter 25

Jezreel

(zhez-REEL)

The excited knock came early that morning. Jezreel made her way to the battered door, cracking it open. There stood Alastyn with the biggest, whitest smile she’d ever seen.

“What’re you doing here so early?”

“Jezreel, I have incredible news.”

He burst inside. Grabbing her by the waist, he lifted her into the air and spun around happily.

“You found Jenevier?” she asked excitedly, almost squealing.

His countenance deflated. Alastyn lowered Jezreel back to the floor. “No, I haven’t. Apologies, Jezreel. You’ve heard nothing?”

“Not a word.”

Both stood in silence, lost in their own tormented thoughts.

Jezreel finally spoke, “So, what was your incredible news?”

His eyes sparkled. “My mother has returned to us.”

“Wha— H-how is that even possible?”

“I don’t know everything yet. She was weary and sleeps still. All she said last night was that Prince Merodach granted each wraith a wish. Hers was to return home.”

“And… he just let her go? Just like that?” Jezreel raised an eyebrow, leveling her glare.

“Well, not really
just
like that. He was extremely angry. He cursed her, literally threw her out of the palace.”

“Wow, that’s… that’s great.” She lightly touched his curls as she spoke, “So, how is she? How does she look? Tell me. Is she acting all right?”

Alastyn fell silent.

“Oh… I see. Apologies,” she whispered.

“She is weak.” He looked away, swallowing hard before turning back. “But I’m sure she’ll be more like her old self once she gets some rest.” He smiled. “Yes. I’m all but certain of it.”

Jezreel placed her hand on his arm, squeezing gently. “I truly hope so. Alas, be wary of strangers bearing gifts.”

“What’s your intent with such words? What are you saying?”

“Just worrisome, I suppose. Seems rather strange. That’s all,” she mumbled. “And the timing, well, the timing’s just
too
perfect.”

“Same old Jezreel.” Alastyn rolled his eyes. “I was actually surprised to see you still here. I figured if you stayed here last night, those terrifying wraiths would’ve taken you. I thought, perhaps, even the Prince himself would have shown up.” Alastyn half laughed at the thought. “Kicked down your door, even.”

“He did,” Jezreel said as she walked into the kitchen, Alastyn following her. “Please, don’t get upset. I truly
am
happy your mother has returned. That means all hope is not lost for Jenevier. It just seems strange to me. You know? The fact that your mother returned to you at almost the same moment the dark Prince was here, kicking in my door.”

They seated themselves at the table as Jezreel told him everything—all about the secret room, her fainting, the drugged tea, the sinister Prince’s many questions. She left out nothing, not a word. Alastyn just sat there, staring into the distance.

“So, the Prince of Wrothdem was in Tamar Broden last night,” he whispered, mostly to himself.

“Not only that, he spent the whole night
here
.” She tapped her finger on the old table for emphasis. “Left only a couple hours before you showed up.”

“Thank the gods Mama didn’t know. That would have ended her for sure.”

“How did she get here? Did she tell you?”

Alastyn nodded as he spoke, eyes downcast. “A stranger found her in the woods. She didn’t say his name… if she even knew it.”

“I see.” Jezreel was growing ever more suspicious. “Can I meet your mother? I mean, when she’s rested and feels up to it?”

He eyed her cautiously. “I suppose so. Why?”

“The secret room I was telling you about earlier.” She shrugged her shoulders, fiddling with her teacup. “It’s dark. As in… dark magic.”

“Yes, I remember Jenevier reading something Marlise had written… something about dark magic and their ancestors. Isn’t that the reason her family had no protective blessing from the Elves?”

“That’s what the book said, yes.”

“So… Tell me, Jezreel. What are you
not
saying?”

“Yes, well, I was studying hard on it.” She nervously refilled her teacup. “And, well… I was just wondering if maybe your mother might know something. I mean, anything I might find useful in helping me defeat him. She was with him a long time, after all. And I just thou—”

“Defeat him? Dark magic? Jezreel, have you gone completely mad? Seriously, have you lost your wits?”

“No, I lost my best friend,” she spat. “That seemed to matter to you yesterday. Or have you forgotten your
true love
so quickly?”

“Jezreel, that’s not fair. Of course I haven’t forgotten Jenevier. Are you implying that I shouldn’t feel joy over my mother’s return because Jenevier is absent? She escaped. She’s safe… somewhere.”

“Are you deaf? Have you heard nothing I just said? That vile man knows where she’s going, when she left, and by what means she travels. Hell, he probably already has her—caged her up like an animal, shackled—while we sit here, enjoying our tea and little chats about our loved ones.”

Alastyn fell silent. He wanted to be elated over his mother’s glorious salvation. Yet, his joy would always be tempered by the loss of his beloved Jenevier.

“The Prince himself is tracking her down, Alastyn. There’ll be no more mistakes. He knows her. He knows Jenevier and he won’t be looking for any damn mark.”

“But, what can
we
do?” He was almost pleading.

“I, for one, will not rest until I know for certain she
is
safe.” Jezreel left the room. Alastyn followed her into the parlor. “I refuse to let Jenevier become like your mother. If there’s anything she knows or anything she can remember, please let me know.”

Alastyn had the painful vision of seeing Jenevier as a pale, deathly shadow—completely contrast to the way she had looked only yesterday morning—her beauty gone, her innocence lost, her captivating smile erased forever.

“Very well, Jezreel. As soon as she regains her strength, I will talk to her. There’s no way she would wish the horrors she spoke of last night to befall
any
other woman. Especially the one her only son is in love with.”

Jezreel placed her hand on Alastyn’s cheek. She wasn’t particularly fond of him, but his feelings toward Jenevier seemed real.

“Anything she can do or anything she can remember, I would truly appreciate.”

He helped pull the bookcase out, revealing the hidden room.

“I will return your mother’s gracious favor with whatever I find in there that could be of help to her as well.”

“Jezreel…” A painful knot formed in the back of his throat. “What if he already has her?”

“I only pray he does not. Alas, I refuse to stop until I have the answer to her rescue. And hopefully… a way to stop him from ever doing this again.”

She stepped into the darkness and began lighting the many candles she had already placed around the room.

“If he finds out what you’re doing, Jezreel, he’ll kill you,” Alastyn yelled into the tiny glowing room. “You know that, right?”

Jezreel stuck her head back out as she reached for the small door. She looked directly into his eyes and smiled with only one corner of her mouth.

“I am no longer afraid of him, Alastyn. He is mean, yes. There’s no doubt about that. But so is every other bully I’ve ever come across. I will
not
back down. I care not what he does to me. I will stand in his face; fight him any way I possibly can.”

“As you say, Jezreel.” He half chuckled. “Merodach has no idea he met his match in this tiny little cottage. You can count on me as well. I will do everything I can. Let me know what you need. I’ll come daily with supplies and any news my mother may provide.”

“Gratitude,” she said with a half-smile.

“But he will find out one day, Jezreel. And on that day, he
will
come for you.”

“Then, let him come.”

Jezreel slammed the tiny door behind her. Alastyn only snorted as he turned to leave.

Taking on that girl… would be like trying to tame a wildcat—hopeless.

Chapter 26

Jenevier

(ZHEN-ah-veer)

Jenevier stepped between the trees and had to shield her eyes from the radiance of the dazzling sun.

“What is this place?”

All around her was summer—the warmth, the butterflies, and the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen. Their intoxicating aroma wafted through the clean, crisp air.

When her hand started to burn, she looked down to see her cursed mark was as black and fresh as the moment it had been so violently placed there. A blue and orange butterfly landed softly upon the scorched flesh, tickling her, then flitted away. She watched it’s beautifully hypnotic dance until it disappeared, and then hurriedly followed after it.

As she neared a small stream, she heard a raspy voice screech out at her.

“Watch where you’re going, you giant foolish pig. Care you not where you step?”

She looked down to find the ugliest old dog she had ever seen piled in the mud by the rushing little rivulet.

“Did you just speak?” She gazed at the dirty mutt, wide-eyed.

“Did I just speak? Well of course I spoke. Are you as witless as you are hideous?”

She was completely taken aback. This obviously magical place was simply too amazing for reality. She had stepped through ancient trees—that had just appeared out of thin air—and into this strangest of all wonderlands. Now she was being confronted by talking animals, and foul talking animals at that. She determined it must be a dream.

The little old lady in that disappearing shack must have been a witch. Perhaps she cast a spell upon the food she prepared for me. Or, perhaps I simply ate too much and I’m now lying upon that blanket, fast asleep and dreaming.
She sighed and glanced around.
Although… as far as dreams go, I must admit this one is rather entertaining. Perhaps I’ll play along for a bit. What could it hurt?
She glanced back down at the growling dog.
I mean, a fun dream every once in a while has got to be a good sign. Right?

“Hey!” the dog snapped. “Are you even listening to me?”

She smiled and curtsied to the strange animal. “Apologies, good sir. I have yet to meet a talking dog, much less break words with one. Forgive me. I am obviously unlearned in such matters and not yet familiar with the proper etiquette needed for such a thing.”

“What
thing
?” he huffed.

“You know… etiquette towards speaking canines.”

“Hmpf.” The dog snorted. “Simple, ugly, and clumsy to boot. You nearly trampled me where I lay.”

“I have obviously grieved you, good sir.” She couldn’t hide her smirk… well, didn’t try to. “And yet, if I am so giant and hideous, why did you not move when first you saw my enormous form headed your way? Why did you simply lie there?”

She batted her lashes. He growled.

“Because I cannot move. You stupid, wretched girl.”

She tilted her head to the side. “And why is that? Hmm? Do your legs not work? Or are you diseased?”

“Yes. I am most certainly diseased.”

If a dog can smirk, he just did
, she thought.

“You’re quite dumb for a human, aren’t you?” He leaned to the side, looking around her. “And… you appear to be strolling around out here all on your own. Why is that, Maiden? It seems rather curious that one so small should be left unattended. What happened? Are you too ugly for friends? Hmm? Can’t even manage to scrounge up a few false acquaintances?”

“For someone as vile as you appear to be, sir, I assume finding help from friends would be a trying thing indeed.” She clasped her hands in front of her and innocently rocked from her toes back to her heels. “Or, mayhap, it was your friends who drug you out here to die in the mud. A bit of a courtesy to the rest of us—letting you die.”

The dog laughed a weird coughing bark-laugh. “You have a sharp tongue, tiny lady. If one does not possess kind looks, then one must at least possess kind words. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Oh yes, I do, very much so. Gratitude, oh wise one. I thank you for granting one as unworthy as myself such an honorable lesson concerning proper manners.” She sighed. “Alas, it is quite obvious I am making your impending death even worse for you. I do not wish to make your passing even more painful. Such a thing would be an unforgivable tragedy. So, if you don’t mind, good sir, I will be on my way now. Good luck in the Otherworld. May you receive as good as you gave.”

She politely stepped around him, meaning to cross the stream.

“Oh, but I do mind.” He snapped at her ankles. “Blatant sarcasm is one of my favorite games. I wish to play a bit more,
Milady
.”

She spun on him then, anger springing to life, showing plainly in her burning eyes.

“Pardon me, sir! Did you just try to
bite
me?”

“I wasn’t left here to die, you lumbering ox. I was drinking from that stream…” He motioned with his head. “…when I was bitten by an asp.” He did that weird dog-smirk thing again. “And… if I had wanted to
bite
you, I would have.”

“Is that so?” She eyed him coolly. “Well then, tell me. Just why did the asp bite you? Hmm? Did you carelessly step upon him? Or was he simply tired of hearing your vile tongue prattle on?”

The dog laughed again. “You
are
a spirited little mink, aren’t you? Stupid, yes. But chocked full of spit and fire… I like it. Alas, such ignorance will get you killed out here. If I had been able to move, I would be picking my teeth with your bones right now.”

“Oh, I see. Well then, I must remember to thank the asp, if ever we should meet. Now then, good day to you,
sir
.”

She winked at him as she turned to leave.

“What? You’re really just going to leave me here?”

“And what is it you wish me to do? Hmm? You seem quite satisfied with your approaching doom. Why should someone as hideous and oafish as me, deprive you of its coming joy?”

“You shouldn’t, you repulsive girl.” He growled then, showing off most of his sharp teeth. “Just go! Leave me in peace.”

Jenevier smiled sweetly. “As you wish. I hope you enjoy yourself.” She nodded and turned to go. “Merry meet and merry part, I always say. Good day then.”

“What?” He tried to stand. “Are you truly so heartless as to just leave me here… to die?”

She sighed, rolling her eyes as she turned back to face him. “This is turning into a grand old play of ridiculousness,” she grumbled under her breath. “Tell me, hound. Is this not what you want—to be rid of me so you can die in peace?” She put her fists on her hips. “Well? Make up your mind. I grow tired of your whining drivel. Die or speak up. Some of us have things to do and places to go.”

He chuckled. “Testy, testy. Keep up that snippy little sass, Maiden, and I might just take a liking to you yet.”

Jenevier rolled her eyes again.

“Oh, stop acting like you wouldn’t
love
it.” The foul beast chuckled again as he rolled over, exposing his swollen, mud-caked shoulder. “Here’s the wound, Sassy. Now, just extract the venom.”

“And why should I? You ask me for help. Yet you said you would have eaten me were you but whole.”

“And… if you save me, I may eat you yet.”

“Ugh. That doesn’t really prove a very convincing case for my help, you know.”

The dog just laughed again. She walked closer to the creature, scrutinizing the swollen snake bite. Cupping some water from the stream, she tried to wash off the mud.

“Careful, you fool!” the dog hissed. “That hurts!”

“Oh hush, you big baby. You were ready to die valiantly in the mud only a moment ago. And now you cry because I but touch you.”

“Stupid girl.”

“Smelly dog.”

The dog just laughed.

Jenevier carefully cleaned away all the mud until she found the two small puncture wounds.

“Here it is!”

“Of course it’s there, you enormous dumb troll. Now, extract the poison.”

She snorted. “The poison in your tongue? Or what the snake left in your shoulder?”

The dog turned his gleaming golden gaze back toward her. “You tell me, Sassy. Which do you think would be easier for you?”

“Shoulder it is, then. But… I don’t have a blade.”

She looked around for something sharp with which to puncture his tough hide.

“You don’t need a knife, you lame pig. Just bite through the skin where the wound is and suck out the venom.”

“I don’t think I can do that.” She gagged a little. “Disgusting.”

The dog chuckled. “Yes, it is. And not only that, Madam Sass. When you withdraw the poison, it will make you gravely ill. That cannot be helped. But if you swallow
any
of it, even the tiniest drop, you will surely die.” He chuckled again. “And
that
cannot be helped either. Are you ready then?”

“Are you trying to convince me to help you, or to leave you?”

“Your decision, Troll,” he replied, nonchalantly.

She leaned down as close to his head as she dared to get. “Just so you know… I do not like you, Hound. Not even a little bit.”

He snorted. “As if I care what my supper thinks of me.”

Jenevier tried hard to swallow back her last meal—which was desperately seeking escape. The stench from this decrepit creature was gut-wrenching.

She mustered up her nerve and bit down, hard. The sound of the tearing flesh, mixed with the hound’s howls, almost made her stop. Then her mouth filled with the fiery venom. She spat it out and went back to the wound.

As she continued to suck out the poison, she began to feel dizzy and nauseous.

“More, Sassy!” he yelled. “There is yet more.”

When she finally withdrew the last remaining drop, she collapsed in the mud beside the dog and began throwing up her stomach’s entire contents.

“Wretched human,” he growled. “What took you so long?”

She felt like she would soon pass out—die right there in the mud and filth—
if
her near constant retching hadn’t been keeping her conscious. She tried to rise, catch her breath. Instead, she caught a glimpse of the putrid dog as it ran toward her, snarling. She saw his enormous fangs part wide then snap shut—biting down, sharp teeth piercing the twisted black heart on her hand.

…Bloody dog…

She didn’t even possess the strength to scream. She could feel the wretched canine dragging her through the mud. But her eyes were fast closing for what she knew would be the last time. She felt the icy cold water on her face and arm.

“Drink, you idiot. Drink!” the dog demanded.

She opened her eyes just enough to see she was half lying in the little stream.

“Drink now!”

The dog bit down again, this time through her left forearm.

She opened her mouth, weakly, letting the water gush in. She drank as fully as she could. With every swallow, her senses were slowly returning. And with every tiny ounce of strength she regained, she vowed to choke the very life out of the vile creature she had only just saved.

Bloody dog!

When she had recovered most of her faculties, Jenevier sat up, looking around for the hound. He was gone. She was all alone.

Crawling out of the water, she collapsed onto the soft grass on the other side—more than just a little thankful for the warm sun beating down on her ice cold body. Her breathing was slowly returning to normal. The dizziness started to dissipate.

Ugh… bloody dog. The next time I see you I swear I—

She felt a sharp prick on the tip of her finger, as that of a thorn. Jenevier barely opened her weary eyes.

What now?

Before she could even register what was going on, her hair was violently pulled—several strands ripped clean out of her head.

She heard the faint buzzing near her ear before she actually saw the tiny pink and purple creatures flying around her.

“You shouldn’t rest here.”

The gentle voice was so beautiful, smooth as the finest music. It seemed more like a warm purr than a voice. It made her smile.

“The Pixies will make sure you’re bald and full of pinholes if you remain there.”

Jenevier turned her head to see an extremely handsome, extremely naked man kneeling beside her. His chest and neck bore strange markings the likes of which she had never seen before.

“It’s not really their fault, you know.” He was still speaking. “I mean, you
are
lying on the entrance to their Queen’s lodgings.”

She sat up quickly, just as a few more strands were torn from her scalp and yet another thorn was jabbed into her calf.

“None of this is real,” she whispered. “None of this can possibly be real. I ate something that didn’t agree with me. That’s all. Or, perhaps I’m hallucinating from the venom. Yes,
that
would explain it—I’ve been poisoned. One thing’s for certain—this isn’t real.”