Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (26 page)

“Wow. What I would give to have skin like that.”

Alzeen wrapped his arm around her waist. “Your fair flesh is far lovelier, Princess.”

“Now you’re just teasing me.” She chuckled. “Oh, Alzeen, look at that. There.” She pointed. “At his waist.”

The angelic sentry was girded about his loins with a jewel-encrusted, golden-hilted sword. The blade alone dwarfed Jenevier’s full height.

“He isn’t real. I am certain of it. I mean, there’s no way. Look at him. He is truly, enchantingly… magical even.”

“He’s not all
that
magical,” Alzeen grumbled.

“Come, Jenevier.” The sentinel’s deep voice echoed across the hills, vibrated within her chest. “Come. Enter the hallowed grounds of Vanahirdem. Valadrog eagerly awaits your arrival.”

The glowing man with the booming voice made a deep bow as he stepped aside from the gated entrance, gesturing with a sweeping movement of his impeccably sculpted arm.

“Ahh, Alzeen… it spoke. Did you hear him speak?”

“How could I not?” he mumbled. “I am all but certain even the moon heard his ridiculous bellowing.”

Jenevier didn’t respond. She was in awe.

“What is that about his shoulders? Is that… armor? Wow, I want to touch it.”

She gazed at the large, intricately designed metal plates wrapped around each of the glowing man’s massive shoulders. They sparkled, reflecting the sunlight with his graceful movements.

Alzeen yanked hard on one of her curls. “I’m certain he would be more than happy to let you. Why don’t you go ask him?”

“Did you not hear me, Maiden?” the giant man called out. “Come. Enter.”

Jenevier swallowed hard. Her feet felt like she was dragging boulders along with her as she tried to proceed. Still holding firmly to Alzeen, she took but one step within the grandiose gateway when the massive Guardian drew his giant sword from its sheath.

“Jenevier must enter alone,” he bellowed.

His voice was so deep, so ethereal, it made her very soul tremble within. Then, she realized the giant sentinel was pointing his monstrous blade at Alzeen. Her beautiful new friend had frozen in his tracks. Only his hand, still entwined with hers, had made it through the heavenly entrance.

“Wait. You mean… Alzeen can’t come with me?”

The colossal Guardian’s spectacular blue eyes blazed a steely gray when he turned to face her. A shiver ran up her spine.

“You must go to Valadrog alone, Maiden. This you knew.”

“Yes, I do know that. But Alzeen is from here. I only just met him
here
, in this place. I brought no one with me.”

He flashed a ferocious smile, letting his sharp, pointed teeth shimmer in the gleaming sunlight.

“Look at him,” he spat.

She turned to face Alzeen.

“Does he look Vanir to you? No, of course not. He is not from
here
. He cannot enter.”

“But… but I promised him,” she whispered. “He’s my friend.”

Jenevier heard the rumbling start deep within the sentry’s chest. It was as if fire spewed forth with his words.

“Jenevier must go to Valadrog alone!”

Every cell within her trembled before this terrifying, ethereal giant. She felt faint. Alzeen released her hand, his words ripping back her full attention.

“All is well, Jenevier. This is
your
quest, my sweet. This is what you’ve been searching for. This is why you traveled so far from your home.” He smiled softly. “Fear not, my love. You now stand at the very threshold of obtaining your most ardent desires. You have earned your reward at last. This is for all you have gone through, all you’ve sacrificed. You have paid the price well, Princess. Now, take what is rightfully due you. Don’t worry about me.” He winked at her. “Besides, I’ve lived here for as long as I can remember. I can take care of myself. I promise to wait for you, right here, as long as it takes. I will not forsake you, Jenevier. And I will never leave you. I have only just found you. Remember?”

She literally
felt
her heart shattering. She turned to face the giant sentinel towering over her.

“Very well,” she hissed, anger swelling within her. “If this consecrated place is too good for someone as pure and honest as Alzeen, then it’s
far
too sacred for the likes of me. I am not worthy to enter Vanahirdem
before
Alzeen, much less minus him entirely. You can tell Valadrog I no longer desire his help.”

She pushed past the fierce warrior, ignoring his still drawn blade, and returned to stand hand in hand with her beloved Alzeen.

“Foolish human!”

“Self-righteous brute!”

The sentinel snarled. “You have given up everything in your life just to reach this gate. You have traveled through lonely, untold perils to gain entrance here and seek help, help you obviously need and greatly desire. Yet you would hastily throw it all away? And at the very threshold, no less. Un… be… lievable.”

“Is that so? Well, perhaps I have already found what I was looking for, what I truly needed.” She held up her seared hand before the incensed Guardian. “
This
will not define me. I refuse to let it. If I must fight Prince Merodach every day for the rest of my life, then so be it. One thing’s for certain. I refuse to relinquish one more friend. I refuse to dispose of one more piece of my heart just to gain my own miserable, selfish freedom. What good is freedom if you sacrifice everything worth keeping in obtaining it? Tell me. What does that leave you with, Guardian? Freedom for freedom’s sake? By the gods! If I give up all I love to be free of this curse, what have I accomplished? Why not run willingly to that vile Prince with open arms? Would I not be lost and alone either way? If Alzeen cannot walk through that majestic gate with me, then you can tell this
Valadrog
, his help is worthless and a lie. Tell him I no longer wish for the type of assistance the honorably sanctified Vanir have to offer.”

The Guardian just laughed. “Tell him yourself, fiery little maiden.”

He stepped from the center of the ethereal gate to reveal a growing crowd standing within. Each person looked almost exactly like him. The Gate Guardian bowed low as a distinguished looking man stepped from the throng and approached her.

This man looked like all of the others around him. Perfect in every way, save for the distinctive silver hair. He was flawless beyond description, yes. But where all other Vanir boasted a flowing silver mane cascading well below their waists, this man had not one single hair upon his head. No liquid silver trademarked him except for the extremely long mustache falling from either side of his pursed mouth.

A graceful woman glided forward and stood by the bald warrior. Jenevier recognized her immediately.

“Vareen,” she whispered.

“What say you?” bellowed the man.

“You are the chief,” Vareen answered. “It is your decision alone to make.”

“She has fire in her tongue.”

“And in her heart as well,” Vareen added.

“Who will stand up for this defiant young maiden?” he called out. “Who among you tested her?”

The murmuring crowd slowly parted. Jenevier recognized the repugnant dog coming toward her, the one she had saved by the stream.

She growled under her breath. “…You.”

As the hideous creature drew closer, its body shifted and blurred. The revolting animal transformed into an almost identical duplicate of the colossal Gate Guardian.

“Wha—”

He winked at her. “How goes it, Sassy?”

“You owe me a great debt,” she hissed. “And the day I come to demand payment, is a day you will never forget. This I vow.”

He smiled. “As you say, Maiden.”

“Valen, report,” Valadrog demanded. “Tell us how this fiery young woman fared.”

The dog-man spoke of the trial he had presented her with. He spoke the truth, recounted every word that passed between them. When he had meticulously reported all that’d happened, he stepped aside.

Vareen smiled. “Three tests of the heart have been given to this fair maiden and three tests she did pass.”

All present were respectfully silent as the revered oracle spoke with great authority to her people.

“First. She saved someone who did not deserve saving. She did so without recompense or expectation, receiving only injury in return.”

The dog-man bowed his head slightly, secretly flashing a wicked smile intended for Jenevier’s eyes alone. She believed she just may hate him.

“Second. She loved someone she did not know. She trusted blindly and faithfully, without question.”

All eyes fell on Alzeen. He spoke not. Nor did he acknowledge he was even referred to. Jenevier opened her mouth, but he quickly and silently hushed her coming words with a tiny squeeze to her hand.

“And lastly…” Vareen continued.

Jenevier’s attention was now riveted on the exquisite speaker before her.

“She sacrificed her one true desire—her own freedom. This she did to uphold a sworn promise made to a friend. This selfless act, we
all
bore witness to.”

Jenevier looked to the Gate Guardian. He was smirking back at her, silently mouthing something in her direction. She cared not what it was. He had intentionally and purposefully riled up her temper. It did not surface often. It was taking a great deal of her composure just to restrain herself. All she truly wanted to do was scratch his exquisitely radiant eyes out.

“So, what say you?” yelled Valadrog.

A thunderous roar went up from the devoted multitude of iridescent Vanir.

“It is agreed by all, then. Miss Jenevier Embarr, I would like to humbly offer you whatever assistance my people can provide. We are honored to have one such as you amongst us. We humbly ask you to be our guest here in Vanahirdem. Please, enter our gates, valiant maiden.”

Jenevier looked around at all of the beautiful, shimmering Vanir, but held fast to Alzeen’s hand.

“Did you not hear me, good sir? If Alzeen cannot pass through your hallowed gates, then I refuse to.”

“Of course I heard you. We
all
heard you,” Valadrog answered, as the adjudicating crowd muffled their laughter. “I knew your unwavering condition when I bade you enter. Alzeen is respectfully welcome within our city as well.”

As the trembling couple passed through the elaborate gateway, Jenevier whispered to the smirking majestic sentinel to her right.

“Smile now, Gate Guardian. But I will demand payment from you one day. One day soon you will wish you had held your arrogant tongue still within your vile mouth. This I vow.”

The spectacular sentry peered down at her. “Truly? I would see words forged into action, tiny maiden. You are but knee high at best.” He glanced over at the dog-man Vanir. “What say you, Valen? Think she can best me?”

Valen only snorted out a chuckle.

Jenevier rolled her eyes. “Ask him once I have extracted the debt
he
owes. I feel certain he won’t be laughing then.”

Valen winked down at her. “I will hold my breath and count the days, Sassy. I look forward to it. More than you can
possibly
imagine.”

The Gate Guardian laughed aloud when she hissed at his brother Vanir.

“Well now, isn’t that just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” He yanked one of her curls.

Valen snorted. “Watch out. She’s got one hell of a bite.” He rubbed his shoulder and winked again.

“Is that so?” The Gate Guardian chuckled. “She reminds me of an adorable little kitten—full of spit and plenty of sass. Shall I pet your head, little kitty? Oh wait, I know. I shall buy you a diamond collar. Yes, that’s it. Oh, and I’ll shackle you with a matching leash—lead you about, always. You will take long naps curled upon my lap, and drink warm milk from your very own designer bowl.” He sucked air in through his sharp teeth. “Mmm… You will purr for me, Maiden. This
I
vow.”

His incredible blue eyes sparkled wildly with the thoughts of her promised punishment, causing Jenevier to swallow hard.

Ugh… Giant freaks.
She tried to suppress her coming shiver.

Jenevier snarled as she pushed past the Gate Guardian, but the colossal warrior only laughed heartily. The deep, echoing sound made her stomach turn within her. She bit her bottom lip, strengthening her resolve as she finally made her way through the shimmering crowd to the regal Vanir known only… as Valadrog.

Chapter 35

Alastyn

(ah-LASS-tin)

Alastyn stormed out of the kitchen, leaving Jezreel alone with his inquisitive parents.

“Apologies, my dear,” Alissa said. “You have both been through a rough couple of days. Please don’t hold his words against him. You, of all people, know how shock and loss can rip away patience and sharpen words.”

“Yes, I’m afraid I do know better than most.” She stood and gave a slight nod to the hospitable couple. “Well, I must be on my way. I have much to think about. I truly appreciate your gracious hospitality and your kind words of wisdom. Please forgive my wretched manners this day. I’m not usually quite so vile. It was a pleasure meeting both of you. I pray everything goes well with your beautiful family for the rest of your days.”

Jezreel bowed properly and left Alastyn’s home. She headed straight for Waverly Ridge.

*****

The first sparkling rays of a new dawn danced across Alastyn’s back as he left in search of a fairytale land which may not even exist. His horse was not as fast or as grand as Epona, but he traveled along at a steady pace. He had journeyed many days before he came to the outskirts of the booming northern town of Ousten. Haven was still a couple days west of here and he was nearly numb to the bone from the much colder temperatures and the long ride.

The sign outside read… Fuzzy Muzzle Restaurant and Inn.

I certainly hope the name refers to the hairy yak I’ve seen folks using for labor around these parts.

Across the bottom… The happiest place you’ll ever sleep.

Alastyn paid to board his gelding and went inside. He was exhausted
and
famished. He didn’t know which to do first—eat or sleep. The delicious aroma emanating from the open kitchen doors made his decision for him. He waited for the keys to his room and then hurried to find a table and cure his watering mouth.

“I will seat you, sir.”

The sweet twangy voice came from the cutest little fair-haired girl he’d ever seen. She couldn’t have been more than six or seven years old. When she smiled, the cheerful little girl showed off more teeth than he thought was possible to squeeze into such a tiny mouth.

“That would be very kind of you, little lady. Hey, has anyone ever told you, you have a beautiful smile?”

“Yep, all the time.” She beamed again.

“Wow, you’re going to absolutely blind me if you keep on smiling like that.”

The delightful little girl giggled blissfully and tried to smile wider and wider as Alastyn shielded his eyes and begged for mercy.

“I like you,” she said.

“I like you, too.” He playfully poked her in the tummy and the frantic giggling started anew. “What’s your name?”

“Floria.”

“Floria, that’s a very lovely name for a very lovely little lady. My name is Alastyn.”

“Alastyn… I like your name, too. It sounds funny.”

“Funny?”

He poked her tummy again, causing the infectious giggles to pour forth as she tried to poke him back in spite of his playful pretend protests.

“Floria, did you say you were the beautiful young lady who could show me where to sit?”

“Uh huh.”

She took him by the hand, leading him to the empty table right beside her tiny hostess chair.

“Thank you so very much, Miss Floria.”

“You’re quite welcome.” She curtsied like a little princess.

“Can you tell me what tastes the best here? Hmm? What’s
your
favorite, little lady?”

“Everything tastes yummy. My mama does all the cooking here.
My
favorite is the sugared apples.”

“Sugared apples?”

“Yeah. Mama heats up the sugar with some dried fruits and then rolls the apples in it. It tastes the best when the sugar stuff gets real hard and you gotta crunch through it to get to the apple.”

“Wow, that does sound delicious. Is there anything else you like? Anything your mama
makes
you eat?”

“She tries to make me eat the green beans.” Floria glanced around cautiously. “But I usually just hide them out back under the bushes,” she whispered.

“I promise not to tell,” he whispered back.

“What would you like to drink, sir?”

The gingerly sweet voice came from a rather voluptuous young maiden approaching the table. Her hair was tied back with a shiny red ribbon and the full thick ponytail fell all the way down to the top of her perky bottom. Alastyn couldn’t help but smile. She returned the favor with a familiar broad grin, proudly boasting what looked like twice as many teeth as any normal person.

“That’s my sister,” Floria whispered.

“I can see that,” Alastyn whispered back.

The smaller girl giggled and spun around to assume her hostess throne.

“What do you suggest, Milady?”

“Well, the spiced cider is absolutely addictive, and the house special will keep you coming back day after day. Tonight our delicious meal is finished off with a delectable blackberry cobbler—the biggest, juiciest berries you ever saw. They arrived just this morning in from Wrothdem.”

Alastyn couldn’t help but stare at the friendly waitress. “How could I possibly withstand such an enticing description? I’ll have the cider as well.”

“Perfect choice. My name is Willow and I’ll be taking care of you this evening.”

When Willow had returned to the kitchen, the tiny version of the attractive young maiden popped up beside Alastyn’s chair.

“She likes you. She always flips her hair like that when she likes somebody.”

“She is very pretty, I’ll have to admit. But she’s not nearly as pretty as you.”

He poked her tummy once again. Her ceaseless giggles kept him company until Willow returned with the steaming cider. He was amazed at just how much the two girls favored each other. They would easily have passed for twins, except Willow was about ten years older than her little sister.

Alastyn motioned for Floria to come closer. “I know what you’re going to look like when you get older.”

“Except prettier?” Floria whispered.

He chuckled. “Yes, much prettier.”