Destroyed by Onyx (A Dance with Destiny Book 4) (38 page)

Luag only grunted and held up a goblet toward them before turning back to his own conversations.

“Listen to your good King, Brothers,” Jenevier said with a giggle. “Blessed freedom is the only lover I desire.”

Gráda gave her shoulders a little squeeze. “Aye, Lass, have you told good Lord Finnean that?” He winked down at her.

“I have ears, Brother,” Finnean muttered.

“Come now. I don’t wish to waste a single moment with my lovely daughter,” Brodder said as he took Jenevier and Finnean’s clasped hands in his. “Are you ready, Lass?”

She smiled lovingly at the giant man. “It’s why I’m here, Father.” She heard Finnean’s breath hitch.
Why such shock?
she wondered.

“Very well then, Gealach.” The King took a deep breath. “Family is the most precious gift we could ever hope for, ever be blessed with. Love of family comes
before
love of self. Never forget that. Your own honor and glory are secondary things to love. Protect family over heart… and the heart will never need protecting. Always let your love be stronger than your hate. Your joy, greater than your anger. You must learn the wisdom of compromise for your own sanity’s sake. Remember. It is always better to bend than to break. Never become so rigid and hard that you cannot give. A
true
friendship is the solid foundation, the only foundation, for any precious and lasting relationship. Always strive to be a true friend. The one who is lucky enough to own your heart, the blessed one you chose to gift it… that person is deserving of your courtesy, worthy of your kindness. Hold to these words. Carve them upon your joyous hearts. Pass them on and remember them always.” He gave their clasped hands another little squeeze and then kissed her on the forehead. “A prouder father has never lived,” he whispered.

She sniffed. “I love you.”

“And I love you, most beautiful daughter.” Brodder wiped his eyes and stepped back.

Finnean turned her to face him. “You are mine, as I am yours, always.”

Jenevier smiled and a tiny laugh escaped her. “Always.” She nodded her affirmation to her dear friend.

He gently pulled her against him, a single tear trickling down his handsome cheek. The look in his eyes went past happy, past elated. It was more akin to awe, with a healthy dose of unspoken desire. And that look alone sent her heart racing into her throat, caused her butterflies to go from swarming to warring. Finnean took her face in his hands, quickly inhaling her scent. She saw the fire rise up in his fierce blue eyes a heartbeat before his lids fluttered. Her breath hitched.

Jenevier automatically closed her eyes when she felt the warmth of his tender kiss upon her lips. Yet this kiss was different from the others… this kiss carried great hope and love with it. When they parted, she was left with an all-encompassing feeling of being completely cherished, almost overwhelmingly so.

Finnean chuckled softly as he rested their foreheads together. His radiant smile was the very kind of thing Wonderlands were made of. She gently stroked his soft cheek, marveled in his exquisitely rare beauty.

“Always,” she whispered again.

Loud cheers and raucous shouts caused her to jump. She had forgotten the rest of the world existed. Had she been capable, she would have blushed.

“If you keep this up,” she whispered to the beautiful man still holding her face in his tender hands. “I might start to think you really like me.” She winked and couldn’t contain her broad smile.

Finnean wrapped his arms around her waist, adoration and fire dancing equally within his ice blue eyes. “Mmm… I thought I just proved that to the whole kingdom.” He kissed her again.

Brodder finally had to pull her out of the white warrior’s possessive embrace.

“Come, Lass. Tell your old dad about all these fascinating blue gems upon your milky skin, and why the black in your hair now boasts the color of sapphires.”

She squeezed his giant arm, her cheeks aching from the smile that Brodder’s love and the awesome joy she felt from these valiant people, had plainly painted there.

Chapter 39

Gealach

(GAHL-luch)

The large goblet echoed its emptiness when it landed on its side. Brodder absently righted the metal cup but kept his gaze fixed on his ethereal daughter’s imaginative reenactment of the slaughter she had committed upon the vile men in that old hunting lodge owned by King Merodach of Wrothdem.

Jenevier had spent the last couple of hours parading up and down the length of the enormous table, answering questions and filling her Celtic brethren in on all the adventures she could recall of her life before Val Hal.

She told them of her training, her Pyrolysis, and her execution. She told them about Vashti, her lethal wings, and her job as the Death Angel.

Although she could remember most of her battles, they were more like recounting the actions of another. Her heart was no longer heavy with the guilt she carried whilst crowned with vibrant curls or tinkling ruby locks. The monochrome tresses now falling across her shoulders marked her a new creature, in more ways than one.

She didn’t spend much time concerning her exile. But she included every moment she could remember whilst in hell.

Brodder wiped his tears as she told of her capture by Shabriri, the eternal loss of her sapphire Angel, and the near fatal birthing of her beloved twins while captive in a foreign land.

Jenevier closed her magnificently impossible tale with the revelation of her Dragon guardianship, the epic finale of the horrific universal apocalypse, and then the world-shattering loss of her noble Guardian husband, Varick.

When she finally revealed the truth of how she had lost all her vibrant color, and how her recent death upon the moon and subsequent trip to the Nether had left her with even more sparkling blue scars, Finnean helped her down from her stage.

“Come, my love,” he softly said. “Let us dance now and start making our
own
glorious memories, ones worthy enough to fill your brand new life.”

She smiled happily as he spun her around in his arms. Today would be the day she would forever claim as first knowing true bliss. An immeasurable joy that belonged to only her, to the woman she now was—her first happy memory minus Naga or Jenevier. This marked the first day of jubilation for Gealach, the colorless Princess of Val Hal.

The valiant people of this noble realm believed in eating too much meat, drinking too much whiskey, and greeting the dawn with way too many tunes yet to play. Her new kinsmen lived life as large as their shoulders were broad… and loved at least twice that much.

She got to know Luag’s wife and Eògan’s intended. The giant boyish warrior blushed crimson when he introduced his Kenzie, the shy little brunette turning almost the same color as her betrothed.

“Gealach,” Luag said as he cleared his throat. “This is my other half, my Allina.”

The lovely young woman inclined her head toward Jenevier.

“Your
better
half, I should say, Lord Luag.” She smiled as she returned the noble woman’s gesture. “I would have pegged her as your daughter. She is far too lovely for you, Brother. However did you manage to capture one so fair? And tell me true. How is it you go about with a near constant scowl, when a beauty such as this awaits you at home?” She gave the smiling Allina a conspiratorial wink just before Finnean swept her back to the dance floor.

The night wore on but the music never waned. Leaning wearily upon the King, Jenevier sighed.

“Exhaustion claims me, Father. The morning sun has hung tiny weights on my drooping lids. Do you have a bed I could claim? Or shall we live like old times and slumber in each other’s comforting embrace?”

The King laughed. “I will never forget those rare nights, wee Gealach. I love nothing more than holding you whilst you dream. Alas, I fear those times are now passed. Finnean will show you to your chambers. Rest well, dearest daughter, for tonight you shall dance with me first.” He winked at her and smiled.

Finnean tried to guide her away, yet she wouldn’t move. Brodder saw the deep furrow between her brows and the obvious question dancing about in her snowflake eyes.

“What troubles you, little Princess?”

“Father, has the truth about my past removed me from your heart? Do you no longer count me as your rare moon goddess?”

“Never, dear one. Such a thing is not possible. What in the world would cause you to think thusly? The revealed mystery of what you are and what you have lived through will always be most cherished within my broken heart. If it’s even possible, I love you more now
because
of your truths.”

“So… you have taken a wife, then?” she said hesitantly. “Why did I not meet her?” Jenevier looked around for the noble woman.

“Wha… A wife? No, no, no… Where’s this coming from, Gealach? Speak your mind, little one. Plain talk is a rare gem we share, Milady.” He smiled teasingly and squeezed her hand.

“When I had no voice, you held me and sang to my shattered soul. You healed me with your gentle touch and your noble heart.” Her dark eyes filled with questioning tears. “I was stolen from your home and then left your world minus our farewells. Yet…” Her words choked off with mournful sobs. “…Yet, now you say I can no longer be with you as we once were. Why, Father? What have I done to dishonor our bond?”

King Brodder lifted her up and pressed her against his crumbling heart. “My wee Gealach, nothing could be further from the truth.” He gently rubbed her back as he spoke. “Perhaps in time, your beloved will let you sleep in your father’s arms… on occasion.”

Her sobs abruptly stopped, her words were muffled against his broad neck. “My beloved? Father, what are you talking about?”

He chuckled. “Your good husband, wee Princess. Perhaps Finnean will spare a night here and there just for the two of us. But certainly not on your wedding night, my child.”

She wiggled down from her royal father’s loving embrace. “Finnean? Wedding night?” She looked from the white warrior back to the King, confusion ruling her thoughts. “I admit to loving Lord Finnean, yes. When first we met, we connected in some bizarre cosmic way. I cannot and will not deny that, ever. He is more beautiful than I, more valiant than a Guardian, and owns a giant piece of my heart. All these things are true.” She glanced back at her snow-crowned friend. “Yet, I have no intention of taking a husband. Not right now. Not so soon. I don’t have the best of luck in that regard. Besides, I am eternally bonded with Daichi. This I told you, only just. And even God will not sever our tie. I came here, back to Val Hal, to spend time with
you
, Father. I will give Finnean as much of me as I can. But I returned for
you
.”

Both men stood frozen, staring at the milky-skinned owner of their hearts.

Brodder tenderly placed his hands upon her shoulders. “Gealach, do you not understand? I upheld the vow I made to this warrior when first you were stolen from us.” He searched her confused eyes. “I married the two of you as soon as you were reunited. As I had sworn to do. Your union was witnessed by our whole clan and we have feasted until the dawn.”

Finnean took her hand, locking their fingers. “I said the words, my love. As did you.” He smiled softly, lovingly. “We swore the words and the palace trembled with applause. Do not destroy me on the happiest day of my life.”

She could only stare at him, openmouthed.

“Gealach, daughter of my heart, I said the words that joined you.” Brodder took her again by the shoulders, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Before you were taken, when we were yet happy, Finnean claimed you and you claimed him. Remember you not?” He chuckled softly. “I will never forget it. Remember? Right after you spit blood upon his chest and busted his perfect lip.” He cut his eyes toward the blushing warrior. “Which he deserved, I might add.” He met her troubled gaze once more. “We all bore witness to your mutual vow, wee moon. No one goes back from that. Here on Val Hal, we understand life is short. And we don’t take a single moment for granted. We live hard and love ferociously. Vows are not made lightly and commitments are honored for a lifetime. We have no law capable of undoing what has been done, Princess. Only death can accomplish such a thing. Finnean would have never said the words if he didn’t mean them with every fiber of his being. You now carry an equal responsibility to each other. If you want happiness, you spend day and night making your mate happy… thus guaranteeing your own. Finnean will do everything possible to please you and you will do everything possible to please him, simple as that.” Brodder sighed heavily and ran his large hands down his weary face. “Perhaps… if I explain to everyone how you didn’t understand… No, they would take you for an oath breaker,” he mumbled.

Finnean bowed his snowy head as he spoke. “I will tell the clan I forced your vow minus your knowledge of our ways. I will explain it to everyone on the morrow. Fret not, Princess Gealach. I will tell your father’s people how I made you promise your heart while you were yet spellbound. No one can find fault with your honor if I tell them thus.”

The King only stared at the beautiful man who was sacrificing everything for the sake of his only daughter. Brodder’s noble heart crumbled.

“Gealach, if Finnean does this thing, you will be free to go without dishonoring our royal name. No one will be able to call into question my reign or your nobility. Yet… he will not be released. This brave man knew exactly what he was doing when he swore to you his only forever. Until
your
death, Gealach, he will belong only to you. No one will touch him, for he is taken.”

She swayed. Rational thought was no longer possible. Jenevier stared at the giant of a man who named her his only kin, and then to the beautiful warrior who had once claimed her heart. She was lost.

Once again, you play the bloody fool
, she thought.
Valencia was right. You traipse in and out of people’s lives… leaving only death and heartache in your wake.
She sighed heavily, resigned.
So be it. I made this ripple by my own actions, my own words. Intentional or not, it comes back to me. As it should.

The silence in the throne room was deafening. Each of them stood perfectly still, their breath withheld. She sent out a little prayer for needed strength.

“Finnean, my dear husband,” she whispered.

The valiant man’s head snapped up at her gentle words, his eyes widening. Jenevier was bowing to him—face down, eyes closed.

“Forgive me for… everything. If you can ever find it in your amazing heart to accept me after such horrible behavior and thoughtless words, I would be honored and truly humbled to be your loving life mate.”

From where Brodder stood, he could see her pinched tears, hidden from the younger man.
How can my old heart swell to bursting with pride, yet completely shatter with regret at the same time?
he thought.

“As my father has said, I will spend day and night on seeing to your complete and utter happiness, dearest Finnean. Nothing in this universe is more important to me. This I vow.”

“I do not deserve you,” Finnean whispered as he lifted her chin and embraced his new wife. “I have not lived nearly good enough to be blessed so.”

*****

This unexpected new life would end up being the most amazing miracle imaginable.

Jenevier couldn’t see through the pain now stabbing her heart, pain mostly for betraying her Blessing less than a day after he returned to her, held her, and healed her. Daichi deserved so much better. But she was being made accountable for some of the ripples she had created when she fell upon this noble layer. The consequences would be heartbreaking for one man and heart-healing for another.

Such is life
, she thought.

“Without you, my love,” Finnean whispered, his nose brushing her ear. “Tomorrow would be torture, and yesterday wouldn’t even be worth remembering.”

He handed her a light green tunic. Soft as kitten fur, it was. She breathed in deep, inhaling his deliciously intoxicating scent from the cloth.

“Aye, Lass, give me your rare red dress. I will hang it together with my garments and we will don them again a year from today.”

She quickly changed clothes and watched as he took delicate care storing away the magical dress Vittorio had gifted her.

“Hop into bed, Lass,” Finnean said softly. “Your eyes are closing where you stand.”

That night—it was actually morning before they got to bed—the newlyweds tossed and turned, restless. Finnean was a perfect gentleman. He did not demand physical attention, even went so far as to say he didn’t expect her to fulfill the carnal part of their marriage.

“Gealach, do not worry, Princess. I know you are also bonded to another, and I respect that bond. I will not touch you, Lass. I know how I would crumble if our roles were reversed, if I was the one to gain you and then lose you in almost the same breath. I will not rend another’s heart so. Besides, I am gloriously happy just being the one blessed with your presence now. I know you didn’t expect this… marriage was not your intent. And I will never pressure you or force you in that regard. I need no other affection, my wee rabbit, save that of your lovely smile.”