Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) (3 page)

He playfully squeezed her fingertips and winked. She jerked her hand away, blushing.

“I never withheld it on purpose, Nilakanta. It just never came up. That’s all.”

“Oh please, do let me be the one to tell him. Please, please, please.” Goemon continued without waiting for her consent. “We Shinobi must practice our gifts regularly, or they fade. But since Yui is the only Iga warrior at the palace, he had to keep his talents honed through his Kata alone. Since no suitable sparring partner was available to him, he made a habit of training every evening at dusk in the little garden hidden along the side of the palace, just below his own balcony.”

“The garden is not hidden,” she protested.

Goemon ignored her and continued to delight the Dragon with his theatrical tale.

“Yui’s daily routine was months along before he noticed her essence.” Goemon chuckled when he glanced over and saw her crimson cheeks. “He said she smells like roses and moonbeams, both of which were abundant in his chosen training spot. Only when an early frost bit the lovely pink blooms and caused their beauty to fall from the blackened stem, did he realize the enchanting smell came not from the dusk and the flowers… but from the magical woman standing before you now.”

Nilakanta’s laughter was ever increasing within her.

“Watch it, you two,” she warned.

Goemon bumped her with his elbow. “Seems our beautiful Empress, here, was treating herself to a nightly feast of the eyes.”

“Yui would never say such as that,” she snapped.

“No. Those words were my own.” He chuckled. “Good Yui only told me how he thought he was dreaming when he saw your shadow standing there.” His laughter died away as his tone turned more serious. “He told me his body froze, but his heart raced,” Goemon said, in little more than a whisper. “He refused to believe his eyes, Milady. Since his mind was continually on
you
, on everything about you… he thought his deep desire and constant longing had conjured up a specter of your likeness.” He gently touched one of her curls. “Until you moved, that is.”

Why? Tell me, boy. What happened next?

She glanced toward her eager Dragon but did not speak.

Goemon’s mouth perked up at one corner. “If you refuse to tell him, I will.”

Still, she did not speak.

The way-too-cheerful Shinobi waited a moment more before he continued recounting the parts she had kept hidden away in her heart.

“When their eyes met, Yui’s world screeched to a halt. He said… When she stepped from the shadows into the pale moonlight, it made her ethereal skin sparkle like she had been sprinkled with stardust.” Goemon tucked a loose curl behind her ear and gently lifted her chin. “You stole his breath away, Milady… and what bits of his heart you had not already claimed. In that moment, any piece of himself he had hidden away from you… he willingly surrendered.”

Is that all that happened? You just stood there in the moonlight, breathless, staring at each other?

Jenevier slowly shook her head. Her gaze was still locked with the young ninja’s when she felt the painful burn of her coming tears.

“…No,” she barely whispered.

“No,” Goemon echoed softly. “She did not stop, Master Dragon. She walked right up to that frozen Iga warrior… and tenderly ran her tiny fingers into his long magical hair.”

She bit her lip, trying to cease its trembling.

Come. Finish the story, boy
, Nilakanta coaxed.
Tell me what happened next.

Jenevier’s glistening pink eyes wavered as her gaze remained locked with Goemon’s.

“I kissed him,” she whispered through her tears.

The young Shinobi touched her cheek and smiled as he nodded his agreement.

“And when I did, I could not stop… never wanted to stop.”

“Neither did he, Milady,” he softly said. “Master Yui has never kissed another since that night. Did you know that, Empress? He desires no woman’s touch… save yours.”

“I was afraid of that.” She drew in an unsteady breath. “I have done one of my dearest friends a grave injustice. I shall find a way to rectify this wretched harm. I will make things right by him. I swear it.”

Goemon’s warm smile remained as he gently shook his head. “No, Little Fire. Continue to love him… just as you always have. He desires nothing more. Trust me in this, Empress Naga. Master Yui is blissfully happy exactly the way his life is. If you changed toward him in the slightest… it would destroy him. He loves the part he has been given to play in your world—taking care of you, seeing to your every need—his perfect heaven, in every sense of the word.”

She smiled then and her shoulders relaxed. “Swear it?”

Goemon nodded his head. “I swear it, Empress. I only brought it up because… well… it’s the most romantic love story I have ever heard. It has become legend in our village, our favorite fairytale.”

And I like the way you tell it, young Son of Munenori. Especially the way you started it in the beginning… the way it made Naga’s cheeks burn. That was my favorite.

“Mine, too.” Goemon chuckled. “I never miss the chance to tease Yui with my colorful rendition. It makes him blush… every single time.”

“You two are horrible,” she said through a smile.

Goemon yanked on one of her curls. “Horrible, but fun.”

He winked at her. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“You are as insolent a man as you were a child, Goemon. How have you managed to stay out of trouble up until now?”

“I’m just lucky, I guess.”

Nilakanta’s deep laughter rolled through them.
Kin Ryu, Brother. Come. I have someone you will definitely want to meet.

The smaller golden Dragon approached them. Jenevier bowed to him in her Dragon manner, and the gorgeous creature closed his sparkling eyes as he tilted his head toward her.

Kagi Naga, Guardian of Dragons and fairest of Angels, I am truly blessed this day.

“My, my, my… what a charmer you are.” She giggled as she rubbed his proffered snout. “I must warn you, good Kin Ryu. I am quite susceptible to such flattery.”

Nilakanta suddenly roared, puffing hot air toward them, blowing Jenevier’s curls into a tangled mess. Goemon and Kin Ryu visibly trembled.

“Dragon!” she yelled. “Did you just growl at me? How dare you! I have never seen you behave as such.”

How dare I?
He roared loudly.
How dare you, Kagi Naga. You are mine!

“What did you just say?” She gaped at him, shocked.

Do you deny it?

“Well… no, I would never deny such as that. But still, you don’t have to—”

I am your Dragon! If you wish to laugh and play, you will do thus only with me.

“By all that’s holy,” Goemon whispered to the golden Dragon. “I think he’s jealous.”

Nilakanta blew another blast of hot air over them.

Of course I am jealous. She is mine!

Jenevier started to muffle her laughter, but it burst forth unchecked.

“Aww… you big oaf.” She flew back up and rested upon his back. “Of course I am yours. But I am Guardian to the rest of them as well, am I not?”

Guardian, yes. And as such, you should act more dignified. There will never be a need for you to flirt with one of them in your role as Guardian, Kagi Naga.

“Fine, fine. Just calm down,” she said as she hugged his neck. “It was but harmless play.”

How would you feel if I let another besides you lay upon my back, let someone else scale my wing and hug my neck?

Her body went stiff, rigid at the suggestion.

“You wouldn’t dare,” she whispered through a gasp.

I did not say I would. I simply asked how you would feel.

“You better never,” she threatened. “I would rip off her head and then yank out your claws, one by one.”

He chuckled.
So… I guess I completely overreacted by only using hot air, then. Is that what you’re saying, Kagi Naga?

“Oh, you.” She squeezed his neck. “Apologies, Brother. I meant no harm. Forgive me.”

Just never do thus… ever again
, he growled.
I am extremely jealous concerning you, Little Fire.

She kissed the side of his neck and smiled. “It is as you say. Very well, I promise.”

Goemon stood there, mouth agape. “Are you kidding me?” His whisper was meant for no one in particular.

Such is the power of a Dragon bond
, Kin Ryu said.

The shocked Shinobi put his fingertips to his temples as he spoke. “Wait just a minute. Were you not the one laughing the loudest as I told the story of her admiring and kissing my beautiful brother ninja?”

Nilakanta snorted at the man.
Of course it was me. What of it, little human?

“So… you’re saying
that
story did not bother you. But you go all Dragon-psycho when she but pats another’s nose. What am I missing here?”

Nilakanta huffed.
What is it you think you are missing?

“Umm… did it not make you jealous to hear about her making out with Yui?”

And why would such a thing as that make me jealous? Yui is but a man. And a mortal man at that. Would you ever believe a hawk would be jealous of a cricket?

“No, of course not,” Goemon said. “But that’s not the same. They aren’t even comparable creatures to begin with.”

My point exactly
, Nilakanta said.
Why in the world would I ever be jealous of any man? Or Angel, for that matter. They are crickets to me, of no consequence. But Kin Ryu… he is Dragon.

His following growl rattled them down to their very cores.

Apologies, Senpai
, Kin Ryu said as he bowed his head.
The fault is entirely mine. I should never have acted so freely with Kagi Naga. I beg forgiveness from both of you.

Forgiven
, Nilakanta said.
Yet see that it never happens again
, he warned.

On my honor as a Dragon
, Kin Ryu said as he lifted his head.

“Enough with all this male posturing.” Jenevier blew out an exasperated sigh. “Tell us why you called good Kin Ryu over here, Brother. It surely was not just to compare
claws
, was it?”

Goemon had been watching the two Dragons intently. He quickly clamped his hand over his mouth after Jenevier spoke, trying to restrain his laughter.

“What?” She looked right at the young Shinobi. “What did he just do? Why are you laughing?” She tried to look her Dragon in the face from where she still sat. “What? Tell me. Did he roll his eyes at me?” She tried to turn his head toward her, pulling on one of his great whiskers. “Look at me, Nilakanta. Did you roll your eyes at me?”

If you did not see it, then no, I did not roll my eyes at you, Little Fire.

Goemon’s laugh huffed out between his clenched fingers.

She sighed and slumped back down across his shoulders, pouting. “Fine. Whatever. I do not care anyway.”

Kin Ryu
, Nilakanta continued.
I did not request your presence for Kagi Naga’s sake. I called you over to meet this intriguing young Son of Munenori.
He tilted his head toward Goemon.
He has been blessed with a Dragon tongue.

Yes, I can see that
, Kin Ryu said.
I have never met a man with such ability. I am honored.

The golden Dragon bowed toward the mesmerized Shinobi. Goemon reached his hand out, desperately wanting to touch those shiny scales.

“Careful, little brother,” Jenevier warned. “Sometimes… that first touch can pack quite a punch.”

She and her Dragon chuckled together.

Kin Ryu was nothing like Nilakanta. The golden Dragon was huge, yes, but not nearly the size of the giant sapphire one
she
sat atop. Also, he was more serpentine in appearance than was her magnificent friend and bonded brother.

Jenevier patted Nilakanta’s neck and hugged him. “My baby wouldn’t even fit in a barn.” She tenderly stroked his scales. “There is not another who could compare to
my
Dragon. None are as glorious as the one
I
claim.”

He purred under her, vibrating her very soul. Nilakanta half closed his eyes as he enjoyed the sheer ecstasy that was her gentle touch.

She glanced over just as Goemon’s fingertips came into contact with Kin Ryu’s ethereal golden scales. His whole arm glowed, and his reddish black locks lifted into the air.

“Here we go,” she whispered, smiling.

Chapter 3

Goemon

(GO-ee-mahn)

Yui half fell, half jumped off the golden Dragon’s back… while Goemon remained mounted atop his new bonded brother.

Those two—Shinobi and Dragon—they will be inseparable ‘til death
, she thought.

As it should be
, Nilakanta said.

Her tiptoes had barely touched the ground when Yui reached her. Wrapping his arms around her, he swept her up in the air and spun her around.

“Empress Naga, I was so worried.” His relieved words were muffled against her neck. “When I heard the horror story Uriel recounted of your summons, my heart felt like it would explode.”

“He told you the whole of it?”

“No, Milady. Daichi was questioning him concerning your whereabouts. I overheard him say you were injured, unconscious for three days.”

“I am fine now, good Yui. Do not fret over me so.”

“How can you say thus to me, Empress? You are my life. If anything ever happened to you or one of the boys… my spirit would flee this wretched bag of bones.”

She giggled as he set her down. “Those
boys
you speak of are giant Angels now, powerful beyond our knowing.”

Pride sparkled in his lovely purple eyes. “Yes, they are.” Yui sighed and rested his forehead against hers. “We did good by them, did we not?”

“You were the father they never knew,” she whispered. “You have helped me more than any other human, Yui. And I took it all for granted. Forgive me.”

“Shhh, now. You are speaking nonsense, Milady. Do not let your frazzled nerves get the better of you.”

“No. You shush, Yui. I only speak what is true, and you know it. Not only was it thanks to you they came into this world free of harm. You selflessly stood as their father and my only strength until they were grown.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “And I never even said thank you.”

“You thanked me every day just by loving me and letting me be near them.” He squeezed her tighter. “And
I
never said thank you for that.” He lightly kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Kagi Naga. Thank you for blessing me with not only a huge chunk of your life, but a huge chunk of your heart as well.”

She gently circled the tip of his nose with hers. Yui couldn’t help but smile. Jenevier knew he loved when she did that.

“You were but a boy when first you saved me. Now… I am held in the arms of a man. A truly beautiful man, inside and out.”

His breath hitched when her lips touched his—a soft, tender, sweet kiss.

When Jenevier made to withdraw, Yui slid his hand up her back and into her hair, clasping the back of her head, locking her to him.

She gasped. “Yui…”

Goemon’s recent words filled her mind, ceasing her protests. Instead, she relaxed and simply let one of her favorite people in the universe just hold her, hold her the way
he
wanted to.

They were quiet for a long while, clinging to the love they would always hold for each other, clinging to the mutual respect they would always share. Eventually Yui began playing with her, teasing her, brushing her cheeks with his incredibly long lashes. When her giggles started, the merciless tickling began.

Nilakanta lay down, resting his chin upon the ground, watching his enchanting Guardian and her fair Shinobi dart about like children at play.

“So… Dragon,” Goemon said as he neared Nilakanta. “You seem to be enjoying this almost as much as they are.” He motioned with his head toward the giddy couple.

The giant sapphire Dragon seemed to smile
.

I might even be enjoying it more.

“I’m surprised,” Goemon said.

And why is that, baby ninja?

“It was only a few short hours ago you were ready to turn us all to ash because she but
spoke
to Kin Ryu. Now a man she loves with all her heart is making her laugh, touching her, kissing her even. Yet you say you are happy for her.”

I have already explained this to you, baby hatchling. Why must you question me further on the matter?

“Because I am failing to understand your explanation.” He shook his head. “She can do… you know…
stuff
with that beautiful man chasing her now. If I were going to be jealous, it would be of a rare man such as Yui. Not a Dragon.”

Nilakanta slowly blinked his eyes.
You are young and have only just met your Dragon. In time… you will understand. Until then, little one, there is simply no rushing such knowledge. Yet know this, odd ninja boy. Dragon’s hold great magic.

Goemon huffed out a half laugh. “That’s it, huh?”

No greater explanation can be given.

The young Shinobi sat down between the two mighty Dragons, leaned back on his hands, and watched as his Empress and beloved Senpai shared a few rare moments of bliss.

*****

“That one looks like a butterfly,” she said.

“Which one?” Yui pointed at a passing cloud. “That one?”

“No.” Jenevier pointed further to her left. “That one.”

“A butterfly? No way. A dog, perhaps. But definitely
not
a butterfly.”

“What do you mean, a dog? Tell me. What in the world about it looks like a dog to you? Are you even looking at the right one?” She stabbed her finger in the air, pointing again.

“Yes. That one, right there.” Yui copied her exaggerated motion and their hands barely grazed each other.

Their gazes left the passing clouds and focused on where their flesh now touched. She smiled when he slowly ran his fingertips up the back of her hand, sliding his fingers between hers, interlocking them.

She gave his hand a little squeeze. “Goemon told me you have no desire to find a mate. Is your mind set on this matter?”

“It is.”

She sighed. “But you are such an incredible person, Yui. Never have I met a man with a heart such as yours. It would be an unforgivable tragedy if you let such a gift go to waste. Do you not wish to have children of your own someday?”

“I do,” he said as he laid his other hand upon her belly.

Her eyes widened as she turned to look at him.

“Daichi would kill us both.”

“Yes, he would.”

“And he will outlive us both as well.”

Yui smiled. “Yes. More than likely, that is true.”

“So what are you saying, Yui?”

The beautiful ninja rolled onto his side and looked down at her.

“I am saying that yes, I do long for a mate. And yes, I do want children. But only with you, Naga.”

“But—”

“Shhh…” He placed a finger to her lips. “Just listen to me, Mistress.” He smiled sweetly. “I already knew every maiden within our village before I met you. I was already of an age. I could have married, had it been my desire. Alas, I was not interested in them then, and my mind has not changed concerning the matter. I simply did not desire love or bonding or children. Not until I met you. When I held you in my arms, as you desperately fought to bring life forth from your weary body, I fell hopelessly in love with you. I know I was but sixteen and not a man in your eyes. But my soul literally crumbled when I thought you had died. I made a vow in my heart. I would raise your children as my own, love them as no one else possibly could. That was the only gift I could give you, and I freely did so.”

She gently touched his cheek. “…Yui.”

“Milady, I knew not what love was until that day. Not until I supported your tiny body, soothed your pain with my words. Not until I held your little Angels, watched them grow into men, trained them to be warriors in their own right. Naga, my heart feels as if I have been your mate since your very first day upon Jinn. What more can a husband and wife share in… than what we already have?” He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingertips. “I wish nothing more than for it to remain thus with us… always.”

“I will always love you.” Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “Forgive me, Yui. I should feel shame at stealing your heart away while you were yet young and selfishly keeping it all to myself. Yes, I should feel great shame. Yet… I do not. My wicked heart smiles at your words, is made happy because of your pain. What kind of friend am I, Yui? What kind of person would take comfort in such a thing?”

He leaned down closer to her, their noses nearly touching.

“The kind that loves me as much as I love them.”

She closed her eyes just as his lips gently touched hers. Yet this was not the tender peck he would normally place there. He kissed her the way any true lover would kiss his fair maid. It tingled all the way down to her toes.

He smiled softly, gazing into her enchanting eyes. “One day, Milady… one day I will show you the true depths of my adoration for you. One day… I will have the courage to show you just how deep my feelings run.”

*****

“I got it. I got it,” Goemon said. “If anything is wrong, Kin Ryu will know it. Then, we will race to the palace and tell Yui.”

“Correct.” Jenevier nodded approvingly. “That way, Nilakanta and I can do what it is I need to do, but no one will have to worry about me. And Goemon, it works both ways. Kin Ryu will let this gorgeous beast, here, know if there is trouble on Jinn.” She hugged the blue Dragon’s neck as she spoke. “We will come back, straight away, if you need us.”

Goemon nodded his understanding. “I will let you know, Empress.”

She smiled. “Very good, then.”

He looked toward the forest that separated the Iga village from the Valley of Dragons. “So… tell me. Who is it you are running from?” He glanced back at her. “Or who is it you are running
to
?”

Kin Ryu sort of made a coughing noise and Nilakanta growled.

“What?” He held his hands up, palms out, shaking them back and forth. “Why are you both jumping on me? I just asked a simple question.”

This is your royal Empress, and our celestial Guardian
, Kin Ryu scolded.
Do not be so casual and presumptuous with her.

You sit not on her council, nor are you schooled in such
, Nilakanta added.
If she wanted you to know her business, she would have told you… minus your impudent questions.

“Heed their wisdom, little brother,” she said with a smile. “A son is but a reflection of his father. Tell me. What would Hanzo say if he heard you speak thusly to me?”

Goemon blushed. “Are you going to tell him?”

Jenevier gave him a level glare, but was smiling on the inside.

“That all depends.”

The young ninja looked down at his feet. “On what?”

“On whether wise counsel is taken to heart.”

“Yes, Ma’am… I understand.”

She stared at the curious Shinobi’s profile. “Tell me. What are your years now, Goemon? How many do they count? How old are you?”

“I am in my twenty-fourth year.”

She arched a single brow. “Hmm… I would have counted you much younger.”

He did not respond.

“Yui was but sixteen when I was brought here.” She smiled then, remembering all the precious time they had shared together. “But I never thought of him as such. I was in my thirties and counted him every bit my equal… even older in some regards,” she mumbled. “That enchanting fair man bears an old soul.”

“He had no choice,” Goemon said softly. “Yui had to learn to take care of himself from an early age. Orochimaru is not like my father. He is… sterner. I have been sheltered, pampered. Some might even say I have been spoiled.”

The two Dragons joined Jenevier in a knowing chuckle, causing the crimson on the young Shinobi’s cheeks to return.

“I have been graciously blessed with kind and loving parents,” he continued. “Yui had neither.”

“You love him too much, do you not?”

He met her tender gaze. “He is my Senpai. Never will I surpass him… always will I love him.”

As it should be
, Nilakanta said.

“One thing more.” Jenevier flew up and reclaimed her favorite spot atop her beloved Dragon. “Tell me. Why is it your raven locks burn?”

Goemon furrowed his brow. “Excuse me?”

“Your hair.” She motioned with her head toward him. “Every person upon this realm boasts hair the color of midnight, highlighted by a blue moon.” She gave him a crooked smile. “Why is it your black tresses seem to glow with shades of blood?”

The blushing ninja half laughed. “Mother says it marks me a rare treasure. Father says it is because I have been blessed by fire.” He looked her straight in the eye. “What say you, Empress Naga?”

“I’d say… they are both right.”

She winked down at the smiling young man as her Dragon’s giant sapphire wings stretched forth, lifting her into the air.

*****