Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (21 page)

“Oh, it’s real, all right. I mean, they can’t
kill
you or anything like that. But Pixies can pester you half to death.” He gently touched her hair as he spoke. “And from the looks of it, you’re almost half way there as it is.”

She looked back to the odd man and then quickly averted her gaze. Standing up slowly, numbly, Jenevier heard the tiny little tinkling voices cursing at her.

“That’s better. Wow. You’re just a little thing, aren’t you?” He chuckled softly. “Why are you so short? Here, let me help you. That’s right. Come along now. It’s this way.”

The young man carefully took her by the arm, leading her toward the nearby forest, talking all the while.

Yes… a most curious dream indeed…

She couldn’t help but look back at the colorful little Pixies as they hurriedly dug out their Queen. It put her in mind of ants tending their anthill. She half giggled.

Huh… strange. I cannot recall ever having such a dream. I mean… how can one dream of things they have never seen before? Odd… truly odd…

Chapter 27

Alissa

(ah-LISS-ah)

Alissa slept through the day and well into the cool evening. After he returned from telling Jezreel the great news, Alastyn sat by her bed and never left her side. It was almost like he was afraid she would disappear if he took his eyes off her for even a moment. She was still so beautiful to him. All he saw lying there was his beloved mother, as elegant and radiant as were his memories.

When her eyes fluttered open, Alastyn’s warm smile was the first thing she saw.

“Am I dreaming, my dear son?”

“Only if I am as well, Mother. Let us not wake, then.”

She returned his warm smile as she sat up, stretching her arms. “I haven’t slept like that in
years
,” she yawned.

“Do you thirst? Are you hungry?”

She reached over and placed her hand upon his, squeezing. “Both. What say we make some breakfast?”

Alastyn chuckled. “But it’s well into the evening now.”

She smiled. “Breakfast is good no matter where the sun is.”

They both laughed in agreement.

“I’ll leave you to dress and wait for you in the kitchen then. Be ready to cook.” He winked playfully. “The stove is already warm.”

Alissa looked around her familiar room. It was as if she had never left. Wrapping the covers around her shoulders, she sat cross-legged in the middle of her cozy bed—breathing in all the familiar smells, listening to all the familiar noises. She sent up a little prayer of thanks for her unbelievably good fortune.

There was a soft rap at the door and Markus peeped in.

“Rest well, my dear?”

“Oh yes, very well. Thank you, Markus.”

“This is your home, Alissa. As it was then, so it remained. We’ve only been waiting on you to return and make it whole again.”

“I’m sorry I left you. I feared you had found another.”

“You didn’t leave me, my sweet. You didn’t leave Alastyn. And, I could never replace you, my love. Neither of us had a choice in the tragedy that befell our little family. I’m only sorry I couldn’t protect you… it caused you such great suffering.”

He sat down on the bed and gently brushed back her snow white hair, tucking it behind her ear to better see the face he loved so true. This enchanting woman was the most precious thing in the world to him. She always had been.

“Alissa, you are so beautiful. Never has a woman been as you, my love… never.”

“I am not the same woman you fell in love with, Markus.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “You are
exactly
the same woman.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I am used… dirty.”

“You are as pure and beautiful as the first enchanting day I laid eyes upon you. My heart now races… same as it did then.”

His nose brushed her ear as he whispered to her.  She turned to him, nuzzling his neck.

“May I kiss you, my lovely Alissa?”

“I have dreamt of nothing but your lips upon me the whole night through. I feared you wouldn’t want to touch me, Markus.”

“If my touch would bring you harm in any way, I will forever restrain myself. As long as you remain at my side, I will be happy.”

“Kiss me, please,” she whispered.

Markus pulled the love of his life close to his chest and kissed her as if it were the first time. Their undying passion rekindled with their first touch. Magic grew in their hearts once more.

“I have missed your arms about me, my love.” She smiled as she kissed him again. “But it’s your enormous heart I have missed most of all.”

“I do not wish to hurt you, beautiful lady.” His voice was heavy with want, weighted with deep desire. “But if you do not cease your play, my love, I will lose what little control I yet cling to.”

She giggled, kissing his nose and then his forehead. “So… you desire me still?”

He pushed her back upon the bed. “You are my wife and the only woman I have
ever
desired.”

“I love you, Markus.” She blushed. “Do not think ill of me, dear one. But… I want to feel you move within me.”

She spoke not another word. Passionate moans were all she could manage. The man she had desired from her youth was making the sweetest love to her she could possibly imagine. She had to keep telling herself over and over that this was her beloved husband, not just a dream.

He brought her to ecstasy twice before he finally collapsed beside her, a blissful smile across his face.

“Never has there been a woman such as you.” He kissed her hand. “I still cannot believe you agreed to marry me.”

“I am but a pale shadow of her now. I look more like the corpse of your beloved wife, than the vessel herself.”

He gently squeezed her hand. “Is that so? Then, how is it you now blush, Milady?”

She quickly sat up, looking toward her reflection in the mirror of her dressing table. She nearly knocked Markus off the bed as she leapt to her feet, running to get a closer look.

He walked up behind her, placing his gentle hands upon her trembling shoulders, caressing her soft skin.

“How can this be?” she whispered. “I feared I was colorless forever.”

“You are home, my dear. You are in your husband’s arms now, not those of a tyrant. You have returned to where you belong, Alissa, to where you are loved, where you are happy.”

She giggled like a small girl, clapping her hands before throwing her arms around his strong neck. Markus held her to him.

Alastyn came to fetch his mother. Upon seeing their happy embrace, he quietly closed the door and returned to the kitchen.

“I was so afraid you wouldn’t take me back, Markus. I had visions of you throwing me out into the street.”

“I was so afraid you were dead for so very long, my dear. I felt like only half a man for all those years. I was powerless to save you, and completely lost without you.”

“…You never even
looked
at another woman?”

“What other woman? I cannot recall ever seeing another.”

“Oh Markus, you are the only
genuine
man I have ever known. You are kind and loving, strong and valiant. I still can’t believe you chose me. You—the bravest warrior in the village.”

“Brave? Not
that
night.”

“Shhh, now.” She kissed him. “Nothing could have stopped what happened that night. Every soul in this realm knows the truth of that. My dear Markus, I have never felt safe with anyone else, only you. And, I have never felt safer in my whole life… than I do right now.”

They held each other tightly for one long blissful moment.

“As much as I wish this would never end… your son awaits his mother.”

She giggled again. “Yes, you’re right. Will you please tell him I’ll be right out?”

“Of course, my love.” He started to leave, but turned back and pointed to a chest in the corner. “All your things are still there. I packed them well and checked them often. A few of them even still smell like you,” he whispered to himself.

As the door clicked shut, a lone tear streaked its mournful path down her once lovely face.

I love you, Markus. More than I can ever possibly show you in but a single lifetime. You are my world.

*****

When Alissa entered the kitchen, everyone froze. She had brushed out her snow white locks and pulled them back into a long braid. She was wearing her favorite comfy dress and was barefoot with but a tiny strand of beads around one ankle.

She held that favorite old dress out with both hands and twirled around like a little girl.

“So, what do you think?”

Markus gasped. “Alissa, you are so beautiful—a vision from the heavens. You take my breath away.”

“Mama!”

Alastyn ran to her, throwing his arms around her. He was her baby boy all over again. He could finally release all the heartbreaking tears that little lost boy had held inside for so many years. And… that’s exactly what he did.

Chapter 28

Alzeen

(al-ZEEN)

Jenevier looked down and realized—to her embarrassment—the naked man was still holding her arm. Gently pulling free, she stepped a comfortable distance from her unusual savior. She noticed then that his peculiar markings were not only upon his chest and neck, but his arms, abdomen, and temples as well.

They are the same odd color as his hair.

“Are you feeling better, tiny lady?”

She blushed and lowered her eyes. “Somewhat, yes.”

“So,
you
are Jenevier, I presume?”

“Yes. And may I have the pleasure of your name, sir?”

“My apologies.” The stranger stopped walking and made a low, dramatic bow in front of her. “
I
… am Alzeen. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Milady.”

She couldn’t help but snicker. He seemed so young and, well, sweet. As he rose, she quickly turned her head.

“Umm, Alzeen. Where are your clothes?”

He looked down at himself, and then back at her.

“Apologies. Does the natural state of humans make you uncomfortable?”

“Well, I have never really thought about it before I suppose. But, yes. Yes it does.”

“My apologies once again, tiny Princess. My intention was never to make you feel uncomfortable, no. I wish only for your complete and utter happiness, Milady. May I?”

Jenevier looked down just in time to see him reach over and rip one of the layers from her once lovely party dress.

“I beg your pardon!”

She grabbed her skirt, checking to make sure she was still properly covered.

“How dare you!”

“What? It was all mussed and beyond repair.” Alzeen sort of rolled his eyes and snorted. “I was only considering
your
comfort. Where else am I to get clothing in the middle of the forest?”

He hurriedly wrapped the torn garment around his chest and shoulders. When Jenevier looked back at him, she closed her eyes and turned away once more. She couldn’t help but stifle a giggle.

“What now?” he demanded.

“I wasn’t bothered by your bare chest, Alzeen. You need to cover your bottom part.”

She was blindly pointing toward him as she spoke. He looked down.

“Ahh… and yet another mistake.” He quickly tied the torn cloth around his waist. “Better?”

She slowly turned toward him, barely opening one eye to get a quick peek.

“Yes, much better. Gratitude, Alzeen.”

She smiled at him then. His face lit up with joy.

“Good.” He puffed his chest out, standing at attention. “Now, am I acceptable?”

“Yes, Alzeen.” She continued smiling, nodding her head slightly. “You are acceptable.”

“So… you accept me, then?”

He seemed overly surprised. She couldn’t help but laugh. Even though he was obviously a few years older than she was, he reminded her of a small child seeking his mother’s approval.

“Yes, Alzeen, I accept you.”

“Wow… you really accepted me,” he whispered, amazed. “I can hardly believe it. Someone like you… accepted
me
…”

“Alzeeeen… stop.” Her smile was so big her cheeks hurt. “You’re teasing, are you not?”

“No.” He furrowed his brow. “Why would I tease you? Do you want me to?”

“No, it’s not that. I mean, of course I accepted you. How could I not?”

“Because, you are so beautiful. And I’m… well, I’m just me, just Alzeen.”

She took a moment to actually look at this curious man, study him. Now that he was clothed, sort of, Jenevier marveled at his ornate markings and odd skin coloring. She liked the sharp tip to his nose and the way his stomach sank in at his hip bones, forming a tantalizing V shape, the bottom of which was now hidden beneath his makeshift covering. Her eyes lingered there a bit longer than she had intended as her mind played upon strange thoughts—thoughts she didn’t even fully understand.

“But… you are you, and I am me,” she mumbled to herself. “Why would I not accept you? You are… exquisite…”

She was mulling over why just the
look
of him had caused a stifling tightness in her chest, when his sudden cheerful words pulled her back from the dangerous path her mind was wandering down.

“That’s funny.” He snorted as he spoke.

She jumped a little, startled. “What?” She blushed. “What’s funny?”

“The fact this dirty piece of torn cloth made such a difference. I am the same Alzeen who rescued you from those nasty Pixies. But only now do you smile. I like it when you smile.” He looked down at his ridiculous purple garb. “Hey… Is it magic?”

She furrowed her brows and almost giggled. “Is what magic?”

“The cloth, does it contain magic?”

“Well, I guess in its own way, it does.”

“Truly?” He gasped loudly. “There’s magic within these threads?”

Jenevier couldn’t help but giggle when he began examining the torn skirt now wrapped about his waist.

“Well, you tell me, Alzeen. You made certain parts of yourself
disappear
. And at the same time, you made this huge smile magically appear upon my face.” She giggled and pointed toward her mouth. “What do you think, Alzeen? Sure sounds like magic to me.”

He looked up at her. “Wow… that
is
a magical smile.” He excitingly went back to examining his new clothing. “I’ve never had magic clothes before,” he whispered.

She watched him a while longer. He seemed so young, so innocent

“So, Alzeen?”

“Yes?”

He looked back at her as if he had forgotten she was still standing there.

“Tell me.” She crinkled up her nose at him. “What
were
your intentions?”

He tilted his head to the side. “My intentions?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He cocked one eyebrow. “Umm… I don’t under—”

“You said earlier it wasn’t your intention to offend me. Right?”

“…Yes.”

“So, tell me. What
were
your intentions?”

“Oh, yes.” He smiled brightly, speaking as if reading from an official invitation. “I was sent here to make sure you made it safely to the village.”

“I see. Well that was very kind of you, I suppose. Tell me. Who sent you?”

“The chief.” He dramatically deepened his voice to mimic the chief’s words. “Alzeen, go and collect the maiden. Bring her to me.”

Jenevier chuckled. “Indeed. Well that was very kind of you both. Odd you didn’t take the time to dress, but kind all the same.”

“Then, you’ll go with me?” he asked excitedly, clapping.

She inclined her head toward him. “As you wish. Lead the way, good sir.”

Jenevier made a sweeping movement with her injured arm and fell in step behind this strange child-like man. She took the opportunity to examine him more closely. He was lean but muscular. His skin was not tanned by the sun, but he was definitely not as fair-complected as she was. He had an odd tint to his skin.

“Olive perhaps,” she said absently.

“What did you say?”

Alzeen stopped so quickly she almost bumped into him.

“Umm. I was just noticing how beautiful the color of your hair is,” she lied.

“Gratitude. Thank you very much.” He smiled happily. “Yours is golden. I’ve never seen golden hair before. It kind of looks like sunshine. I like it.” He touched a single curl, admiring it. “So… tell me what you think of mine. It’s poor manners not to return a compliment, don’t you think?”

“Indeed I do.” She tilted her head slightly. “Your hair is… umm… lovely.”

He gave her a satisfied smile before turning and continuing on.

Alzeen’s hair was different from any she had ever seen in Ashgard. It wasn’t really brown and it wasn’t really red. It reminded her of the color of dried blood. It was extremely thick and probably long, but she couldn’t be sure. It stuck out all about his head with not much rhyme or reason to it.

“Must never brush it,” she mumbled, louder than she meant to.

He sighed loudly and tossed his hands in the air.

“What are you saying now? If you want me to hear you, you’ll have to speak up.”

Jenevier was ready for his abrupt stop this time and kept her distance.

“Brush—I said the brush was getting thicker here.”

He smiled proudly. “Yes. That means we’re getting closer.”

“Closer to where?”

He casually shrugged his shoulders. “To the village.”

“So… what was the test?”

“Test?”

Alzeen stopped again, standing way too close for her comfort as he peered directly into her blushing face.

“Y-yes, what was the test I had to pass?”

“I know nothing of a test.” He cocked his head to the side and raised one eyebrow. “Do you like me? Would you like to lay with me?”

“Alzeen! What? Just… what?”

“Lay with me—would you like to mate with me now? Or would you rather wait a while?” He wrapped one of her curls around his finger. “You are quite lovely. I’ve never seen a
real
girl before. I think I like them.”

“What are you talking about, Alzeen?”

She had been stepping back from him as he spoke. Now, panic was washing over her.

“Girls—I think I like them. When I look at you, I get a funny feeling.” He pointed to his belly. “Right in there. It feels good. Makes my heart race, too.”

Jenevier swallowed hard and looked around. There was nowhere to run.

“There’s never been a human girl here before. Well, not since I’ve lived here. When we heard the news about
you
, the chief said I could have you if you accepted me. You’ve already accepted me. You said so.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I was just wondering if you wanted to lay with me now or wait until later. Or… we can do both.”

“W-wait. Umm, wait just a minute, Alzeen.”

“Wait? For what?” He gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you.”

She jumped slightly. “Oh my. Oh, umm… Tell me. What is your chief’s name?”

“Barachna. He’s very old and very wise. He told me what to say to you, and if you accepted me, we would be mates.”

He smiled again and clasped his hands behind his back, proudly.

“I-I see. Well… Alzeen, I am terribly sorry if I have misled you. Alas, I fear I am on a different quest. My apologies, but I must go meet a different chief. I cannot go with you to your village. Not right now.”

“Oh, but you must.”

He grabbed her arm and held tightly. When she visibly winced from the pain of the recent dog bite he was now squeezing, he quickly released her and stepped back.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” His cheeks flushed, he lowered his head. “I said I wouldn’t hurt you. Please forgive me. I just didn’t realize how fragile girls are.”

Seeing him standing there like that made her heart ache. She suddenly felt the need to protect him.

“Fear not, Alzeen. You didn’t hurt me. A disgusting old dog bit me before you came to my rescue.”

He suddenly perked up. “Oh, well,
that’s
no problem.”

Jenevier watched as he quickly ran off into the forest.

“…Alzeen?”

She jumped when he popped out of the brush carrying some unusual rust-colored leaves.

“Here, these will heal that right up.”

He swiftly went to work wrapping her arm, intricately lacing the leaves together. She was in awe of his handiwork. She smiled as she admiringly touched the neatly secured bandage.

“Oh dear, another one.”

He grabbed her cursed hand and made quick work of the bite there as well.

“Is this medicine?” She gasped. “Alzeen, my arm is already feeling better.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “It makes the pain go away. That’s all I know. But touch it not for three days, or it won’t heal right.”

“What’s it called?”

“The leaf?”

“Yes.” She nodded as she spoke.

“I know not what it
truly
is. I happened to sit down in a pile of them one day after I’d made the Pixies rather angry with me. And, well… the pain just went away.”

“That is the way
most
medicines are discovered—by accident.” She smiled, still admiring it. “Yet, how did you learn to tie them like this? It’s lovely.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t
learn
that.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It only seemed to make sense… so they wouldn’t fall off. You know—if I tied them like that.”

She smiled at him. “You are a natural healer, Alzeen. I am blessed you were my savior. Because of you—no more Pixies, no more dog—and now, no more pain.”