Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (23 page)

Chapter 31

Alastyn

(ah-LASS-tin)

When Alastyn finally broke his adoring embrace, his mother wiped away his tears.

“I missed you so much, Mama.”

“I missed you so much, too.” She sighed. “My precious little boy has grown into such a handsome young man. And I missed it all.”

“I thought about you every day.”

“And I you, my beautiful son. Nothing can shatter a mother’s heart like the loss of a child, especially one such as you.” She kissed his forehead and then both cheeks. “You’ve done well with him Markus, quite well indeed.”

“I’m ashamed to say that isn’t so, Alissa. I have been a terribly selfish father. I was so wrapped up in my own grief… I never took the time to see
his
pain. I didn’t notice that my only son was suffering even more than I was. How could I be so blind?”

“Come now, Father. All things are well with us again… Mother has been miraculously returned to us.”

Alastyn’s constant tears were burning his eyes. He swallowed hard, turning away.

“Enough tears. Let us enjoy now what has been stolen from our past.” Alissa smiled happily. “I haven’t cooked in ages. Let’s see if I still know how.”

She giggled, clapping her hands together before reaching for her apron. Their mingled laughter and love could easily be heard outside the now happy little home. They all joined in with the cooking, the eating, and the wonderful conversation. No bad memories were dredged up and no lost moments interfered with their present joy.

Alissa leaned over and bumped her shoulder against Alastyn’s. “So, my ferociously handsome son, is there but
one
special lady claiming that brave heart of yours?” She winked at him as she took another sip of tea. “Or are there many?”

The laughter instantly died away.

“What?” She looked to Markus and then quickly back to her son. “What’s wrong? What has happened?” She ran her fingers through his long raven curls. “Tell me, my son. Let me into that big, beautiful heart of yours.”

Alastyn remained speechless. Alissa turned her questioning gaze to Markus.

“…Husband?”

“The pain is too fresh, dear wife. The wound, too new.”

Alissa turned back to her son and placed her gentle, loving hand upon his. He was trembling.

“Alastyn, I know you have been deprived of the kind of love and experience only a mother can provide. But I’m here now, son. This is the very type of thing mothers can fix.”

“I truly hope so, Mama.” Alastyn started out slowly. “I had only just met her at the death celebration. The one held for her Aunt Marlise… but a couple nights ago.”

Alissa abruptly turned to Markus. “Marlise is dead?”

“The Quickening,” he softly replied.

Alastyn sniffed before continuing with his sorrowful tale.

“She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Well, besides you, Mama.”

Mother and son shared a quick, tender smile.

“Oh, Mama, she took my breath away—made my heart race.”

“She was the first?”

He blushed. “Yes.”

“She was Marlise’s niece,” Markus added. “From over in Moorglen. She came to tend her in her last days.”

“You mean, her little sister? Alethia’s baby girl? Wow, all grown up already.”

Alissa was lost in remembrance for one single precious moment. Then she jerked her attention back to Markus.

“Wait… Was? You said the girl
was
her niece.”

All were silent then. She was frantically searching their moistened eyes for a clue.

Markus broke the silence. “Merodach was here.”

Alissa visibly tensed at the name. “No,” she whispered.

“Yes. Oh, Mama, she was so beautiful—dancing there with all those flowers in her hair. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She looked so happy, so free.”

His favorite kind
, she thought.

“I watched her all night. Her smile was like the sunrise and her hair was as spun gold. I loved her immediately, Mama. When we could finally talk, when I could finally touch her… her scent nearly drove me mad.” He sighed. “I will never again be so intoxicated by a mere aroma, an enchantingly delicious aroma. When I but touched her, lightning shot through my veins. I wanted to kiss her so badly.  She told me that when she first looked into my eyes, I stole her soul away and she floated amongst the stars. She was so free with her thoughts and feelings. She gave me her heart, entrusted me with its care. I can scarce breathe now just thinking about it. My soul shattered within me when I opened that door… and found her gone.”

Alissa lovingly rubbed her son’s arm as he recounted the vision of his first love. Her heart was breaking with his. She knew all too well what the young maiden was going through while her son sat here and mourned her. What she witnessed now was but a tiny glimpse of the pain and heartbreak Markus had suffered all those years ago.

She looked at her husband and mouthed the words, “I love you.”

“So, at the end of the evening, when everyone was bidding Jenevier best wishes…” He paused.

“He kissed her hand,” Alissa said.

Alastyn nodded. “Yes.”

“Jenevier is a lovely name. I would very much like to meet the enchanting maiden who stole my dazzling son’s heart so completely. Perhaps one day she will be allowed to return to you. Don’t give up hope, dear one. He let
me
go.”

“No,” Alastyn whispered. “He didn’t take her.”

Alissa gasped. “What? But how?”

“She was terrified, Mama. We all were. I stayed with her and her friend, Jezreel. We looked through all of Marlise’s things just to find out what that scorched, painful mark even was. What it even meant.”

“You knew not what it meant?” Alissa looked in amazement toward her husband.

“Forgive me, my love. I just… I could never speak the words.”

She smiled sadly at her trembling husband, still in so much obvious pain.

“Go on, my son. Tell me. What happened to your lovely Jenevier? I wish to know the whole of it.”

“Well… Marlise had written some kind of hiding spell or something. I know not for certain. None of us did. Not truly. We followed her instructions precisely. And when the wraiths cam
e…
”

Alissa shuddered at the very mention of the word.

“The mark was… gone or invisible or something. I know not. But they didn’t take her.”

“Wait…” Alissa furrowed her brow. “You said this happened but a couple nights ago?”

“Yes.”

She fell back in her chair. “That has never happened before. That must be why he came to us, for comfort.
She’s
the reason he granted all those gracious wishes—Jenevier. That’s when I asked to… No, when I
begged
to leave.” She grabbed Alastyn’s arm. “Son, take me to your fair Jenevier. I am only here with you now because of her. She was the first—the first maiden to defy him. The first to win. Come, Alastyn. I must speak with her, now. Please. We owe her more thanks than can ever be given.”

“I cannot,” he whispered through his sobs. “…She is gone.”

“Gone? But I thought you sai
d—
”

“Marlise had also written about a man named Valadrog who lives in the Thralldom Mountains. Jenevier has gone there, alone. She means to seek his help, lest the Prince come and steal her away himself.”

“What? Alone? To the Southern mountains?” Alissa gasped, placing her hand upon her chest. “Oh, dear me. Markus…” She looked pleadingly toward her husband. “…that’s no place for even an armed man to go alone, much less a fair innocent maid.”

“I know, my love. I know.”

“She slipped out the window while Jezreel and I were in the kitchen. She just left.”

Alastyn gave himself over to his tears then. No one spoke as the tragic story sank firmly into their weeping hearts.

“I was wondering…”

“Yes, my son?”

“Do you know anything? I mean, anything at all that could be used to help Jenevier? Did Prince Merodach ever mention a way around the mark or some hidden secret for defeating it? Jenevier’s friend—Jezreel—she is trying to find anything else Marlise might have made reference to.” He wiped his eyes. “We couldn’t follow after her. Valadrog would only see her if she went alone. But I can’t just sit here, dying inside, if there’s
anything
else I could possibly do to help her.”

“No, my son. I am very sorry. He never disclosed any way around the bonded curse he places upon you. It is for all eternity. I know that to be true.” She placed her frail hand upon her emaciated chest. “I feel it still… within my soul.”

“How?” Alastyn cried. “How can a mere man curse you with just his lips? How is such a thing even possible?”

Alissa’s eyes widened as her son’s pleading words touched on her most painful memories.

“…The Elves,” she whispered.

“What?” Alastyn and Markus asked in unison as all eyes were fixed on the beautiful broken woman they loved more than life itself.

“The Elves. There were whisperings within the castle. I often heard the older servants speak of an Elven Princess. One who blessed Merodach with great magic when he was but a babe.”

“But… this is no Elven magic he uses,” Markus said. “The Elves would never harm thusly.”

“This I know. And that is precisely why I never gave much credit to the stories. Elves were not created to harm, only to heal.”

“Where is this Elven Princess?” Alastyn asked.

Alissa looked down at her cooling tea. “I know not.”

He then looked to his well-traveled father. “Father, tell me. Where do the Elves live?”

“No one knows for sure, my son. They haven’t been seen by man for more years than I have even been alive.”

“But… someone must know!” he pleaded.

Alissa slowly stood, taking her teacup as she crossed the room. She stared blindly out their little window as her mind vividly replayed the wretched memory.

“Far to the north…” she quietly said. “…in a town called Haven. I was sent there to retrieve a young maiden who cried endlessly about the magical Elven protection she was supposed to have received through her family… or something of the like. Alas, it must not have been true. I was able to take her.” Alissa’s tears fell into the sink as she spoke. “I had no choice. I had to do what was commanded me.”

Markus placed his hands upon her shoulders and kissed the side of her head.

“No one blames you, my love,” he whispered.

“They do not have to. I carry the blame within me… always.”

She smiled softly at the loving man and turned back to her trembling, despondent son.

“That is the only other place—outside the castle walls—I have ever heard anyone speak of the Elves in conjunction with the Prince.”

Alastyn stood. “Then, I must leave for Haven.”

Chapter 32

Jenevier

(ZHEN-ah-veer)

When Jenevier’s weary eyes fluttered open, she focused on Alzeen’s handsome face.

“Hello there, sleepy head.”

He was leaning against a tree, smiling sweetly, still holding her in his arms.

“Hello.” She smiled back. “What happened?”

He laughed softly. “Well, seems you were right. You couldn’t reach the valley on your own. You fell asleep before we made it to the shade. You looked so beautiful, so peaceful. I couldn’t bear to lay you down. I wish you never to be parted from my arms.”

“Gratitude, Alzeen. You have a kind heart.” She kissed him on the cheek and stood, stretching her arms and yawning. “How long did I sleep?”

“I don’t know.” He popped the bones in his neck. “A long time.”

She turned back to look at him. “Apologies, did you not rest?”

“I sat here and held you. I watched you sleep. You are so beautiful. I bet Angels are too jealous to look upon your sleeping face.”

Jenevier blushed brightly. “You’re too kind. Did I snore?”

“Only a little.” He shot her a mischievous smile.

She laughed. “I cannot call to mind the last time I slept so well. Not one single dream.”

“The best sleep you ever had?” His words sounded hopeful.

She sat down beside him, leaning against him, smiling happily. “Yes, Alzeen, I do believe it was.”

“Good. Now, you hold me while I sleep.”

She chuckled and put her arm around his shoulders, pulling him towards her. “Here, lean on me, anytime, always.”

He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back onto his lap. “But I like it so much better like this.”

She giggled as she protested. “Alzeen, do not play so. You need your rest as well. I have stolen enough from you already.”

“You have stolen much more than my rest, beautiful lady.” He nuzzled her neck, pulling her even closer. “You have stolen my heart as well.”

“Is that so? You can say that after only a few hours? Truly?” She tapped the tip of his nose. “Well now, if this rare love continues to grow exponentially, how shall the world be able to contain it?”

He furrowed his brow, pouting, hurt. “Why do you tease me so?” His voice trembled. “Do you take pleasure in hurting me?”

“Apologies, my friend.” She held his face in her hands. “It was meant in jest only. Never to be hurtful. Will you forgive me?”

She lightly kissed both his cheeks. But Alzeen’s sparkling eyes dimmed as his countenance fell.

She studied him closely. His wild, unruly hair was like bloody flames. And, strangely enough, his eyes seemed to match it. They were a mossy green in the center, with rusty brown flames lapping around the edges. Those features, coupled with his lovely olive skin, struck upon a uniquely beautiful combination. Yet it was his purely innocent heart that had drawn her undying loyalty almost immediately. She gently stroked his cheeks with the tips of her fingers.

“How did a creature as beautiful and pure as you come to be?” she whispered.

“I wasn’t here, and then I was.”

“What?” She giggled at his simple answer. “I don’t understand.”

Alzeen laughed and his eyes brightened once more. “I guess I was here to help you. I had no real idea when you would come. But I always knew you’d need me. I didn’t know what you would look like, not exactly. But I knew I loved you, and I knew you needed me. You always will.”

She rubbed their noses together. “I would love to be so wonderfully flattered. Yet, there is much more to you, Alzeen. I can see it. Your eyes betray you, dear friend.”

“How so?”

“I see an ancient soul dwelling behind those intriguing little windows in your head.” She placed a finger to his forehead. “And your riddling answers do not dissuade that.
You
are a mystery, my friend.”

“A mystery?”

“Yes. And a tempting one at that.”

“Well, I
am
older than you. That’s mysterious in and of itself, is it not?” He tickled her ribs and the giggling began. “Come. Turn this way, Milady. Face me proper.”

He moved one of her legs to his other side. She now sat straddling his lap, leaning back against his bent knees as she sighed happily, releasing the last of her laughter.

“By not more than six or seven years, I would guess. You are
far
from ancient, my friend. And… you know that’s not what I was talking about.”

The look on his face was sincere, serious. “I am here because you needed me, Jenevier. It’s all I’ve ever known. I have waited on you for a very long time.”

“My ears fail me. I hear the words yet conceive not their meaning, Alzeen.” She leaned in closer to gaze directly into his eyes. “Where did you come from, my enchanting knight? From what forgotten kingdom did you flee?”

“I understand your questions, Milady. I just cannot answer them. Not wholly.” He sighed and reached for one of her curls. “I was here for you. I came
when
you needed me and I came
as
you needed me. That’s all I can tell you.”

She studied him a bit longer. Long enough for him to start to feel uncomfortable under her intense gaze.

“Milady?”

“Hmm… I believe you,” she finally said.

He chuckled. “Well, you should.”

“Why?”

“It is not within my nature to lie.” He yanked on the curl he had been playing with. “A wonderful trait to possess, I should think. Alas,
some
people become real offended when you tell them the truth all the time.”

“I find that particular trait to be endearing and refreshing.” She nuzzled his nose again. “I wish more people were like you.”

“How terribly boring it would be—if everyone were like me.” He lightly pinched her cheek. “So you see, tiny lady. I have always waited for you to find me, to see me. That’s why I loved you so soon and so easily. Because I always have. You just didn’t know it yet.”

She laughed. “I won’t pretend to understand your logic, Alzeen. Yet… I have definitely witnessed
stranger
things recently. A talking dog, purple Pixie
s—
”

“And pink ones,” he added.

She smiled. “Yes. And pink ones.” Her smile faded. “And a man who can burn your skin, change your whole life… with merely a kiss.”

She looked at her expertly bandaged hand and tried hard to block the memory
and
all the painful losses she had been forced to experience because of this twisted, black curse. Alzeen sensed her pain and drew her chin up so he could look into her eyes.

“Not all kisses are painful.”

Her mind drifted back to Alastyn and the kiss that had been stolen away by that whistling teapot.

“I wouldn’t know,” she whispered, absently.

“Of course you wouldn’t know. That’s because it is
my
place to teach you this. It has always been my place… not
his
.”

“Not whose?” She cocked her head to the side. “Merodach? Or Alastyn?”

He growled. Only then did she realize how inappropriate her question must have been.

“You are mine. They have no right to touch you, Jenevier. You should never have allowed it.”

“Allowed it? You think I allowed this?” She held up her marked hand.

“No!” He looked away. “Yet… you allowed that
boy
many freedoms with you, did you not? Don’t try to deny it. I watched your eyes light up when you said his name. Only just, Jenevier… only just.”

“Wait…” She lightly touched his chin, turning him back to face her. “Alzeen, are you jealous?”

“…Yes.”

“Of someone you don’t even know?”

He furrowed his brow. “It matters not if I know them. I know you. And the thought of someone else touching you, playing with your curls, kissing you…”

She stared at his pouty expression as he spoke.

“How would you feel if I let just any old girl who traipsed through here sit upon my lap, sleep within my arms? Whether you knew them or not, would it not bother you?”

“Yes. I suppose it would. Forgive me.” She gently touched his cheek. “Tell me, my intriguing, noble rescuer. How is it you are so innocent and child-like, yet in the next breath… you seem old, wise beyond your years?” She leaned her forehead against his. “Hmm? And don’t
you
try and deny it. As I said before, I can see it in your eyes. So, can you not answer me just this one question?”

“I don’t know
how
to answer you, Jenevier. I am only made up of the things you needed. The things you treasure in your heart. The things that compliment you—make you whole. As you should be.”

While he was speaking, Jenevier began to trace the outline of his tattooed skin with the tips of her fingers. She was captivated by his strange markings.

Never have I seen their like.

She had heard stories of how the people of the South marked their skin to record their life, their accomplishments. Some even had their
sins
recorded thusly. For all eyes to see.

I wonder if he even knows what his represent.

When she finished tracing the ones at his temple, she moved down to the ones upon his neck. The slight ripple of muscle under his skin—caused by her admiring touch—made her heart skip a beat.

“Soooo beautiful,” she whispered.

“…Jenevier.”

She didn’t notice
his
strained whisper. Her full attention was now drawn to the foreign symbols across his smooth chest. When she laced
their
edges, she was startled to hear his sharp intake of breath. Jenevier slowly lifted her gaze until it met his. Alzeen was staring fixedly at her, a look upon his face she could not read.

Is that… hunger?
She quickly withdrew.
“Apologies, Alzeen. I forgot my manners. I should never have touched you like that. Not without your permission. I was entranced by your strange…” She paused, feeling the bright red heat that now flushed across her pale cheeks. “Then, well, I couldn’t stop my hand… It’s just, I never… But your skin is like… I mean, I was so curious…” She bit her lip, trying to stop her stammering. “You’re just too beautiful.”

The look in his rusty green eyes was so soft, so loving upon her. Then she saw the desire burning deep within them. Her breath hitched. Her heart began racing wildly. It felt like a frightened butterfly was trapped inside her chest, desperately seeking escape.

He leaned in to kiss her but withdrew slightly, stroking the edge of her lips with his thumb, gazing deep into her eyes.

Oh dear gods
, she thought.

She was terrified, thrilled, curious. She had never been kissed before. Not a real kiss with a grown man. She held her breath, silently praying that he wouldn’t stop.

Alzeen smiled just before his soft, warm lips covered hers. This unknown sensation was absolutely mind reeling. He kissed her slowly, gently—rocking her to her core.

Oh… dear… gods
.

Her body tingled all over. The only thing she could think about was this man, this moment, this sensation. It was an enchanting dream. One she never wished to wake from.

She loved the way his sharp nose brushed against her cheek with his gentle movements—the tender feel of his strong hands cupping her face, holding her to him. And his lips…

Oh sweet heavens
, she thought.
His lips are a gift from the gods. He is a gift from the gods.

She nearly swooned, had to
force
herself to remain cognizant. Alzeen had spoken rightly.
Everything
about him was exactly what she would have picked if she were given the chance—his child-like innocence, his unfettered heart, his complete honesty, his endearing emotions. All these amazing qualities were wrapped neatly inside a distinctively attractive package.

“…A gift.”

The words escaped her lips as he slowly released them. She opened her eyes to see his smiling face.

“So, my love,
now
you understand.”

“N-not really.” Her voice came out as barely a whisper. She was having a hard time catching her breath. “But, I don’t have to understand everything about you, Alzeen. I believe in you. And… I trust you.”

When next he smiled, she melted.

“That’ll do for now, then.”

“Tell me true, Alzeen. Did that vile dog kill me down by that trickling stream? Am I not now dead and simply passing through the Otherworld? A
perfect
Otherworld.”

He chuckled. “No, my love, you yet live. And as long as there remains breath in these lungs, nothing and no one will ever be able to harm you again. I promise.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing her ever closer.