Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (40 page)

Jenevier lightly kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear, “Gratitude, for being my strong place to land, Vittorio. You were there to catch me when I fell. You held me while I crumbled. I will never forget that…
never
.”

A soft smile turned up the corners of his mouth. Still, he didn’t open his eyes.

“I will always be there for ye, Princess. Dunnae worry aboot that, Lass. I’ll always catch ye, always hold ye. I favor ye, remember?”

She giggled and nuzzled closer.

“Where are we?” She yawned. “To which layer did you wing me, Brother?”

He half opened one eye, still resting his head back against the tree.

“We’re yet on layer eight. I have tae pick something up before we head back to Vanahirdem.” He wrapped his arm across her back. “Aye, Lass. Just lay yer head upon me a moment longer. We’ve a wee bit of time yet.”

She did as he asked. Jenevier happily nuzzled against his warm chest and tried to match her breathing with his. The scene they had just left back in Detroit, it would haunt her forever. Yet, the bond she had formed with this accented warrior would remain with her always. Yes, blessed strength could be found in that. She released a haggard breath and slowly closed her eyes.

“Aye, it wulnae be much longer now. I hear them stirring down below. An’ since they cannae see me, I’ll be needing yer help, Milady.”

“Just say the word, Brother. I am here for you, always.” She yawned again. “But, I wanna stay like this for a while,” she mumbled, lazily looking down from their treetop perch at the brightly clad people now filling the dusty street. “You feel so good, so warm. I just wanna stay like this.”

He sighed. “Aye, Lass. I wanna stay like this, too. I favor ye.”

He felt her lips part into a smile against his skin. He shivered, causing her soft giggles.

“I favor you as well, Brother. More than you know. Don’t tell Vareilious, though. Okay?”

“Aye, Lass. He’ll be the
first
one I’ll tell. An’ that’s a promise.”

They shared a warm laugh before gliding down, lightly landing just inside the forest’s edge.

“It’s that shop, there. We’ll go inside an’ I’ll tell ye what tae say. Trust me, Lass?”

She smiled up at him. “Always, Brother.”

They walked into the tiny store. It was bursting at the seams with vibrant colored clothing, jewelry, and tons of long scarves covered in sparkly beads. The shopkeeper turned and focused his kind eyes on her, smiling. Vittorio gently squeezed her hand and began whispering his instructions.

“Say this: Mairh ēka bahuta hī durlabha pōśāka kharīda cāhatē ha
iṁ
.”

The shopkeeper smiled and answered her. “Yaha āpa kē l
iʹ
ēkiyā j
āʹ
egā?”

“H
āṁ
.” She repeated the strange word exactly as Vittorio had whispered it.

The pleasant man bowed toward her. “Sundara mahilā kyā r
aṅ
ga kē l
í
ē cāhēgā?”

“Aye, tell him: Lāla.”

The shopkeeper beamed and clapped his hands together. “Ma
iṁ
sahī bāta hai.” He walked into the back while still speaking the words she couldn’t understand. “Ēka durlabha sundaratā kē l
í
ē ēka durlabha khajānā phiţa.”

“Aye, Lass. Yer doing well, ye are.  Now, tell him: Aura, mānika kē sātha bāla sajāvaţa ki.”

The older man was returning but stopped at her words and went back through the colored veils as he spoke over his shoulder. “Āha, ma
iṁ
bhī kucha bēhatara hai.”

He came back to the front of the store carrying a red silk embroidered box. She handed him the little pouch Vittorio had given her before they entered. The man bowed to her and placed his hands together.

“Namastē.”

She returned the gesture. “Dha
ń
yavāda.”

Her invisible Guardian then placed his hand on her lower back and gently nudged her toward the door.

When they made it to the trees again, he snatched her up and took to the skies.

“So…” She yawned and stretched her arms. “Are you going to tell me what that was all about?”

He smiled. “Aye, Princess. A wee bit more patience an’ I will.”

Jenevier had almost dozed off again when she felt the Guardian’s slow decent. She half opened her eyes just as Vittorio gently sat her down by a little stream.

“Wake up, my wee darlin’. I’ve something for ye.”

He smiled mischievously as he took the lovely red box from her hands and then turned his back.

“What are you doing? Is it a secret or something?” She tried to peek around him. “I must admit to you now, Vittorio. I have a problem with curiosity, a big problem. It gets the better of me real quick.”

“Dunnae worry, mine Angel.” He turned then, holding the ornate treasure out to her. “Ye cannae refuse a gift from the heart.”

She was stunned. Her hands were shaking as she raised the lid and got her first peek at the gorgeous red fabric within. Her eyes went wide as she quickly looked back up to her brother Vanir.

“Vittorio, what is it? I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life. Can I touch it?”

“Aye, Lass, of course ye can touch it. It’s yers.”

“M-mine?”

“Aye. It’s a dress. A dress fit for a Princess…
my
Princess.”

The look on her face was all he needed, all he had hoped for.

“Well, try it on, Lass.”

She hurriedly skimmed out of her sterile white clothing. Vittorio blushed brightly and spun away from her. She didn’t even notice. She was too intent upon her amazing new treasure.

The luxuriant cloth was as soft as a rose petal and the lovely red color gave off a golden tint when the sun hit it just right. It went perfectly with her fair skin and blonde curls.

“Oh… Vittorio…”

The top was short and tied in the front just under her breasts. The skirt latched with tiny hidden hooks at her left hip bone, leaving her midsection completely bare.

“It fits like a glove,” she barely mumbled as she lightly touched her bared belly. “It… is… stunning.”

She couldn’t keep her hands off the baby-soft material. It felt like heaven was kissing her skin. She looked up from admiring the embroidered waist band, which was covered with hundreds of tiny beads in an intricate design, and realized the massive Guardian was trying his best to give her privacy she hadn’t even asked for.

“Apologies, Brother.” She giggled, unable to contain her broad smile. “You can turn around now.”

Vittorio’s breath caught in his throat. “…Princess.”

He was wholly entranced by the enchanting vision before him. His chest tightened painfully. She was glorious. The angelic, fluttery skirt left one leg bare all the way up to her thigh. But the sight Vittorio couldn’t manage to pull his eyes from was the obvious joy painted so beautifully across her angelic face.

“Wow…” He was dumbstruck, completely in awe. “I cannae say I’ve ever seen anything any more beautiful in all my days.”

She held the skirt out at her sides and spun in a circle.

“Well? Does it suit me? Tell me, Vittorio. What you think? Do you like it?”

He cleared his throat. “Aye, Princess. The dress is lovely, too.”

She ran and threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek over and over.

“Without reservation, Brother,
this
is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. Even lovelier than the goddess one I was given for the Pyrolysis ceremony. I am truly not worthy of such a gift.”

“Aye, Lass. I’m the one who’s nae worthy.”

Wrapping his arms around her, Vittorio savored the feel of her body against him. Closing his eyes, he carefully recorded this most wondrous embrace—the feel of her arms about him, her enchanting smile, those tiny giggles, her melting warmth, and oh that intoxicating aroma of hers—all of it was now etched upon his heart, forever.

“Aye, Lass. I’d move heaven an’ hell just tae see that incredible smile of yers,” he whispered.

“After this mission, I didn’t know if I would ever be able to smile again. Promise me, Vittorio. Promise me you will always make me smile, even when I shouldn’t be able to.”

“Aye, Lass. I swear an’ vow it as well.”

Jenevier picked up the exquisite box, giggling as she leapt into the gentle Guardian’s massive arms.

“Dunnae forget tae hang on this time, Princess.”

“I remember. Just don’t let go of me.”

“That’ll nae happen, my wee darlin’. Nae in a million years.”

They headed for the transporting cloudbank.

She nuzzled close against him. “Your scent is divine,” she whispered.

His breath hitched. He was certain his heart skipped a few precious beats.

Bloody hell
, he thought.
This lass will be the death of me. I just know it.
He smiled.
An’ I cunnae wait.

“So.” She yawned again. “Are you not going to share with me the strange words I spoke to the shopkeeper?”

His happiness showed plainly in his dazzling blue eyes. She smiled up at him and he melted a little more inside.

“Aye, ye asked for a rare dress. He asked if it was for ye an’ then what color ye wanted.” He tightened his hold on her as they entered the clouds. “I believe he chose well. I cannae imagine a garment looking any more perfect.”

She hugged his neck and kissed him again. “You are exactly what I needed after such a day as this. I love you, Brother.”

His chest tightened at her words. “Aye, an’ I love ye more,” he whispered.

*****

As he winged them to their home, Vittorio replayed the scene of her—standing so proud yet so tiny—in that little shop as she obediently recited the words he whispered in her ear.

In truth, the conversation went something like this…

“I would like to purchase a very rare dress.”

“Will it be for you?”

“Yes.”

“What color would the lovely lady wish for?”

“Red.”

“I have the perfect thing. A rare treasure fit for a rare beauty.”

“And, that hair decoration with the rubies.”

“Ah, I have something even better.”

“Namaste.”

“Thank you.”

He couldn’t help but snicker at the part he had kept hidden from her, the part that was now secretly tucked away inside his studded sporran.

Aye, an’ I’ll hang on tae that wee treasure until I once again need tae see the only smile that can now keep my heart a beating.

Chapter 54

Vashti

(VASH-tee)

“How is it we find you returned already?”

“Were you not both summoned to a great battle upon layer eight?”

“A whole day has yet to pass.”

Jenevier walked past the questioning Vanir without speaking. Vittorio was fast on her heels to spill all the gory details, embellishing a few of them. He was an extremely theatrical storyteller.

The new friends had shared their bittersweet farewell before they entered the city proper, saying their goodbyes in private.

“Aye, Princess. Since I dunnae wish tae upset the man who owns yer heart, I’ll break these words with ye here, now, before I’m forced tae relinquish ye back tae him.”

He took her chin in his hand and stared at her lovely face. Jenevier felt his heart racing, noticed the sudden tension in his broad shoulders.

“Be at ease, Brother,” she whispered, resting her cheek against his chest, corresponding her breathing with his.

His heart rate gradually slowed as he instinctively matched her rhythmic, steady breaths.

“Aye, Lass. I love when ye do thus. That’s the second time ye’ve done that—steadied my nerves. First while we rested in the treetops, an’ now again. Tell me, wee lamb. How is it ye can relax me with merely a touch?”

“I wasn’t relaxing
you
that first time. It was to steady my
own
nerves.” She chuckled softly. “I didn’t do it intentionally or anything. I can’t even explain it. I mean, it’s like… when I’m near you, Vittorio, I can’t help but tune-in to you. I simply blended our breaths—made it so that our chests rose and fell, one according to the other.”

“Aye, Lass. This I know. But how, an’… why? Why did ye have tae steady yer nerves around me?”

“It started when I woke atop you on that high limb.” She smiled then, never moving away from the closeness they now shared. “I breathed in your divine scent, Brother. It made my heart skip—left me dizzy. I calmed myself by matching your rhythm,
your
breathing.”

“…Jenevier.” He gently lifted her chin, smiling down at her. “Above all… I favor ye, Lass.”

“And I favor you, Vittorio.”

“Nae stop breathing with me. Promise?”

She nodded her head. “Never stop making me smile. Promise?”

“Aye, my wee darlin’, always.”

“So, what was it you wanted to tell me, Brother?”

Vittorio gazed down into her deep blue eyes, unconsciously stroking her soft cheek, lost in her calming aura. Alas, he could not bring himself to give voice to his
true
thoughts. He simply couldn’t burden her with anything else. She was near her limit. He would never hurt her, never. She loved him as a brother, and that was enough.

“I just wanted tae tell ye how much I appreciate my newest little sister.” He hugged her tightly, denying his tears their escape. “Yer a wee ray of sunshine in a dreary world, Lass.”

She tiptoed as he bent down for her to kiss his cheek.

“Vittorio, what you have done for me this past day… I simply do not have the words. Your kindness, your love… it bonds my heart to you, always. You, dearest brother, you carried me when I had no wings of my own. And when you effortlessly created unimaginable joy—joy strong enough to temper the darkest day I have ever known—I could scarce believe it.” She sniffed. “With everything evil swirling about us, you stole a rare moment for no other reason than to make me smile. My gratitude toward you knows no bounds. I look forward to the day I can return this greatest of favors. One day, Vittorio, one day I will be the reliable one. One day… I will be
your
strong place to land.”

Aye, Lass. Ye already are
, he thought, tears filling his eyes.

They held each other close until both their souls had steadied.

“I love you, Vittorio.”

“Aye, an’ I love ye more, Princess.”

Taking a deep breath, Jenevier turned away from her new friend with a parting wave. Stepping out of the massive forest of Vanahirdem, she stiffened her shoulders and slowly headed toward her ethereal home.

The reality of what she had witnessed on layer eight hit her full force when she once again walked down those crystal cobbled streets. She knew this was only her first mission, and she also knew it probably wouldn’t be the worst one. After all,
she
was the executioner.

She went straight to her home and fell across the giant bed, bursting into tears. She wept tears full of anger, tears full of hate. She was filled with sorrow, with compassion and confusion at how evils like these were even allowed to take hold in the first place.

“Apologies, my love.” Varick approached the foot of her bed. “I never wanted you to see such things. I wanted only to protect you from the darkness of this universe. You have returned to me, minus some of your light.”

As he neared, Jenevier began trying to tell him all the truly horrible things she had witnessed. Alas, she was crying so hard he couldn’t make out her words. Instead, Varick gently scooped her up in his arms and rocked her like the child he knew was still buried somewhere deep inside her.

“Do not speak further upon it, mine Angel. Vittorio has already heralded the whole city of the bloody battle. The one he basically let you fight all by yourself,” he mumbled as he stroked her tangled curls. “He also told of the atrocities you had to witness alone.” He lifted her chin, smiling softly, trying to cease her tears. “He did, however, leave out the part explaining your new breathtaking apparel. One look at you, Princess… and my heart nearly stopped. I thought you were a vision from God.”

She sniffed into his tear-soaked tunic. He could plainly see it upon her face. Her heart would hold no joy this day.

“
This
is the reason I mourned your transformation, my love. This is the very reason I wanted so badly for you
not
to be chosen, for you not to become Vanir. I did not want you to have to witness all the evil in this world. I wanted to selfishly keep you hidden in Vanahirdem. Hidden away… with me… forever.”

“And yet, this is why I am glad I
was
chosen, Varick. What would have happened to all those precious little babies if I hadn’t been there to hold them? Tell me. Who would have wiped their tears? Who would have comforted them as you do me now?”

“Someone else would have done it. They always have.”

“No.
I
was meant to be there.
I
was the one who had to save those children. That’s what God always meant for me to do. I felt the truth of it within my heart just as clearly as I feel your loving arms around me now.”

Varick wiped away her tears. He could no longer remain distant with her. He had hoped if he stayed far away from her, evil would, too. Now, all he wanted to do was be close to her. So close in fact, it would be impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. He kissed her trembling lips. It was like the first time. A jolt ran through them, frantically coursed through their veins. Varick melted into her. Their passion began to grow without boundaries.

This is what’s real in my life. She is the only thing that matters.

He pulled back from her and stood by the bed.

“No, Varick. Please don’t run from me again.” She seized a fistful of his soft tunic. “You have been running from me for so long now. I cannot bear it if you stay away a moment more.”

“I swear to you now, by all that’s holy, I will never stay away from you again.”

He knelt beside her bed. She tenderly kissed his forehead, running her fingers into his luxurious hair.

“My dear sweet Jenevier, you have seen the worst of me, to be sure. Yet, I am determined you will see the best of me yet. I never knew true, unconditional love could come from anyone but God. You have proven me wrong, Princess. Your heart stayed true to me through so many torturous, lonely years.”

“I had no choice. I feel complete only when your arms are about me.”

“I know the feeling well, my love. We are of like-mind concerning one another.” He smiled softly. “Listen to me now. I tell you true. You will not meet a finer being than is Vareilious. And… I know he loves you wholly. Yet, you held out for me, Jenevier. Even though I did not deserve you, I thank God every day that you did.” He tenderly kissed her forehead, smiling sweetly. “Now, I know how determined Vareilious is to have you, Milady. And I do not wish to hurt my brother. He is a good soul and would make you a wonderful husband. Alas, at the very core of me… I am selfish. I want you all to myself, Jenevier. I cannot go another day until I know for certain where your heart truly lies.”

Varick held up his shimmering ethereal hand. A golden glow encircled his finger, perfectly highlighting the liquid gold streak in his beautiful hair.

“My lovely Jenevier Embarr, Vashti my beautiful Angel, will you accept my manacle? Will you take this sacred ring of honor and loyalty? Will you pledge before all, to be my loving wife throughout time and eternity?”

Varick then removed the glowing light from within his hand. A ring—formed from a literal piece of his body. Jenevier gasped when he held it up in front of her gloriously elated face.

Then, she heard that familiar guttural voice shouting out to her just before the door to her home flew open.

“My lovely warrior maiden, I have only just been told of your glorious retur
n—
” Vareilious abruptly stopped, as if he had slammed into an invisible wall. “No…” The word was forced from his lips as if it were the very last drop of air leaving his burning lungs.

The mighty warrior fell to his knees with a ground-shaking thud—a hollow sound that resonated sorrowfully through Jenevier’s trembling heart.

“No, Brother. …No.”

Giant angelic tears slid down his celestial face. Never before had she seen Vareilious cry. Never before had she seen tears such as these. It pierced her to her very core.

“End my life, Brother. I cannot bear to live with the pain. I will not hinder you. Strike now. Spare me an eternity of tormented hell.”

When Jenevier rose to comfort the trembling giant, Varick grabbed her wrist and held fast.

“Do not do this, my love. Vareilious has known since the day you were created, you were meant to be mine. He stood by my side as God withdrew a piece of my heart, a piece of my soul, and formed you there in His hands. He knows his love for you is not the will of God. He understands his selfishness is but sin. I would never intentionally hurt my brother. I would die first, on my honor. But
this
pain is one he has knowingly brought upon himself. This bitter suffering… it is his own doing. I have denied my heart for years because of my love for him. But denying myself and denying you, has been an effort in futility. You are a part of me, my love. Not even God Himself will sever that bond. It is meant to be. We are one, from the beginning.”

“God formed my soul from your breast?”

“Yes, my love.”

“But… why?”

“You were created to be special, Jenevier. You were fashioned out of undying love and the breath from God’s own mouth. You are me, and I am you. This cannot be denied.”

She gently cupped Varick’s angelic face in her hands. “I know in my heart what you say is true, sweet Prince, without question. I knew it the day I first met Alzeen. And since I am of you, you must know exactly why my heart is breaking for Vareilious. For your brother, for
our
brother. The love I feel for him mirrors your own. I know his grief is tearing you apart inside, for I share in this pain. What am I to do, my love? Destroy my heart, or destroy my brother’s heart? For one will not remain whole without the other. So, what then? One must now die for the other to truly live?” She shook her head. “This is too much to ask. I cannot do this. I cannot sacrifice either of you. The guilt would devour me. You are my one love, Varick, and I wish it no other way. Do not turn from me again. Cleave to me wholly. But do not ask this thing of me. Not now. Not after
this
day. I cannot bear one more drop of blood—one more single tear. It will utterly destroy me.”

Jenevier then walked to Vareilious’s slumped form and tenderly kissed each closed eyelid before quietly leaving her home.

When the brilliant sunlight hit her lovely face, she threw open her arms and released a bone-shattering scream. A scream so feral, so bestial, it split the very ground where she stood.

The two heartbroken warriors raced for the door, but were blocked by a giant ball of whipping blue flames. Within it… stood Vashti.

“Maiden! Angel of God, hear me now!”

Vashti slowly turned her radiant face toward Valadrog. Her flaming ruby eyes were now vacant. Her voice was no longer enticing and lovely. The sound spewing from her beautiful angelic lips was now guttural and barbaric, as if pulled forth from the very pits of hell.

“Do not hinder me, old man. Leave me in peace.”

“You will destroy yourself if you leave this city, Vashti. God is love, not hatred.”