Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) (22 page)

Baytac looked away when he felt the heat in his cheeks begin to rise.

“Enough with the pleasantries.” Alastyn clapped his hands together. “We will have much time for merriment in the future. As for now, let’s convene in the library and go over our plans. Input will be welcomed from all.”

“Have you ever been to the South, Your Grace?” Baytac asked.

Alastyn nodded. “It has been many years ago now, but yes. Yes, I have.”

“And… how did you like it? Did they welcome you? Treat you with respect?”

Alastyn furrowed his brow. “They were hospitable, yes. They did not bow, as you do.” He glanced toward the dark Elf. “Nor did I ask for, or expect, such reverence. They do not live under a monarchy.”

“No, they do not,” Baytac said. “Yet they
do
have an established hierarchy, per se.”

“So, you have visited there as well?”

Baytac nodded. “I have passed through the Southern lands on a few occasions, yes. I did not stay long. I was not comfortable there—too hot for
my
liking.”

“And mine as well.” Alastyn chuckled. “Did you take the time to notice their markings?”

“I did.” Baytac glanced sideways at the King. “Those are the very things that lead me to believe… their
elections
are not a just and honorable thing. I mean… if the position you hold is tattooed there upon your forehead, what happens when you no longer hold office?”

“I thought the same thing myself,” Alastyn mumbled.

“And not only that,” Baytac continued. “I saw small ones.” He held his hand out to measure about thigh high. “Little children—the governor’s crest already inked upon them. They may like to pretend they are ruled by the people’s choice… yet, I believe that to be but a guise. One set up to lull their sheep-like masses.”

When Prince Gadrick stopped walking, Alastyn and Baytac turned to face him.

“What is it, my son?”

“Father…” Gadrick looked up to meet the King’s gentle gaze. “If the Elf noticed such just by passing through… perhaps not all of the people are sheep-like. Perhaps there is a small faction who wants to promote change. If Baytac figured it out with but a glance, the people who live there must know the truth as well.”

“That would only stand to reason, yes.”

“Then…” The Prince looked from his father to the Elf and back again. “Perhaps they are not meaning to defy the King’s edict. Perhaps they are simply using this opportunity to bring about the intended power change—supplant their unwanted leaders.”

“That may be true,” Baytac said. “But we are not going to war because the Southern villages are disrespecting your King. We draw our swords because of the unjust, cruel treatment of the innocent. Whether the usurpers bow the knee to King Alastyn or nay, their inhumane actions have already proven their worth.”

When the Prince’s brow remained furrowed, Baytac smiled.

“Have you ever heard the saying… Pretty is as pretty does?”

Alastyn chuckled at the Elf’s question, but Prince Gadrick only shook his head.

“Someone once told me… If you are ugly on the inside, then you’re ugly. Simple as that.” Baytac chuckled. “You see, it doesn’t matter what your skin looks like. If your heart is evil, you are evil.”

The Elf watched as the light in the young man’s eyes finally lit up with his understanding.

“…Pretty is as pretty does,” Gadrick whispered.

“That’s right,” Baytac said. “It matters not which tattoo marks the brow of the men we now face. If tyranny is how they
gain
their power, then they are tyrants. Simple as that. Do not stand in awe of their rebellion, good Prince. No matter the reason, their current actions could
never
be justified.”

“Listen to the Elf,” Alastyn said. “He speaks true.”

Baytac glanced toward the King. “You have heard this saying as well, I see.”

“We share a common friend, yes.” Alastyn smiled knowingly. “She may preach those words, but that lovely little Angel doesn’t always heed her own warnings. Forget not, she once loved the soul-eater who sired you.” He bit his bottom lip. “Even though she can
see
the darkness…” He paused.

“…She dances too close to the flame,” Baytac whispered.

Alastyn sighed. “Yes… Yes, she does.”

Chapter 15

Jinn

(JINN)

When Jenevier could not be calmed, Gabriel summoned Raphael.

“Do what it is I have called you here to do, Brother,” Gabriel said.

Raphael matched his brother Arch’s golden glare. “But—”

“It is for her own good, Raphael. Can you not see that?”

“At least let go of her for a minute. Let me
talk
to her.”

“I will not,” Gabriel said. “You know she was given the power to transport. Whatever you wish to say to her, you can do it while she remains safe within my loving embrace.”

“Embrace?” Jenevier snorted. “Do not let him fool you, Raphael. We are
not
embracing. I am his prisoner. Simple as that.”

Gabriel tenderly kissed the top of her head and then rested his cheek there. “My most precious prisoner, yes.”

Jenevier rolled her eyes. “Spare me the kindness, Brother.” She looked toward the dark-haired Arch still standing out on her balcony. “What did he call you here to do to me, Raphael? Kill me again?”

“Naga,” Raphael scolded. “Do not say such as that. I never meant to—”

“You are letting her play with your emotions, Brother. I swore an oath to Naga—I will never harm her.” Gabriel sighed softly. “I am only ensuring that I can keep said oath. She is hell-bent on interfering where she should not.”

“But…” Raphael took a step closer. “You can surely understand why she feels the way she does.”

“Of course I can
understand
it,” Gabriel said. “Yet I cannot condone it. I have not the time to hold her until this war sees its end. If you wish her to remain safe and whole, then put her to sleep.”

“Put me to sleep?” Jenevier’s eyes widened. “Raphael, don’t you dare.”

“It won’t hurt, little sister. I promise.” He moved closer. “Gabriel is right. Just for a little while. Okay?”

“No! It most certainly is
not
okay.”

“Do not try to reason with her, Brother,” Gabriel said. “If such a thing were possible, I would have accomplished it by now.”

When Raphael made no move to obey his wishes, Gabriel sighed softly.

“Think about it, Raph,” he whispered. “If she goes there… who do you think will be sent to stop her?”

Raphael pursed his lips together, tears fast filling his chocolate brown eyes.

“Do you believe Michael will simply put her to sleep?”

Raphael silently shook his head.

“Nor do I,” Gabriel whispered. “If you love her as much as I know you do, you will help her… whether she wants it or not.”

“…For how long?” Raphael’s voice cracked with his words.

“For as long as it takes.”

Raphael sniffed. “And what if she is summonsed?”

“Then… you will wake her.”

*****

“This is completely absurd,” Yui said, gently brushing back the curls from his precious wife’s fair face. “What about eating and drinking and training?”

Raphael glanced up at the fretting Emperor, then back to his sleeping sister. “She only does such things out of habit and a feeling of normalcy. They are no longer
necessary
.”

“And do you plan on lying there beside her the whole time?” Yui snapped.

“I am simply easing her into peace,” Raphael whispered. “I will ensure her rest for a while, but I will have to return daily.”

“He should stay with her through the night, tonight,” Gabriel said. “But, no… he does not have to lie beside her.”

Raphael shot a harsh glare toward the other Arch, before turning a gentle gaze back to Jenevier. “Yet, she will not wake until I let her. Someone should check on her, often.”

“I don’t believe that will be a problem,” Yui half hissed.

“Try to understand, Emperor,” Gabriel said. “We have simply chosen the lesser of two evils.”

“If she had gone to Ashgard,” Raphael said. “You may never have been able to look upon her again.”

“
May
?” Yui said.

“We could not be certain what Naga would do, so we cannot be certain of the outcome,” Gabriel said. “But judging by her past actions…”

“…Yes,” Yui whispered. “I understand.”

*****

“We will work in shifts,” Yui said, glancing around at her worried loved ones. “I am not as confident in her safety as are the Archs. If Naga’s stalker remains, then he knows as much as we do.”

“That she sleeps and can only be woken by Raphael,” Lala said, tears filling her eyes.

“Yes,” Yui said. “So you see why it is so important that we do not leave Naga alone. If this Rixx person wished to take her, now would be the time.” He sighed. “Very well, then… I will sleep with her, of course, and I will never be far. Alas, I must see to my royal duties as well. When I must hold court, I want someone I trust by her side.”

“I will do first thing in the mornings,” Lala said. “I don’t really like waking up, anyway. When dawn comes, I will just crawl into bed with Obaasan.”

Duhrias chuckled. “I will come as well. Lala sleeps like a log. If someone were to enter—”

“That’s mean, Dimples,” she said, pouting.

The River Spirit only chuckled again.

“I am sure our time with Mama will overlap,” Tenshi said. “Yui just wishes to be certain that each person who attends her understands that they
cannot
leave her side.”

“Yes.” Yui nodded. “During your appointed shift, you will not leave this room until the next person assigned comes to relieve you.”

Mika hummed softly before speaking. “What he means is… it matters not if twenty people are gathered here. If you have the morning shift, Lala, you cannot so much as walk out into the hallway until I come in at noon to take your place. Understand?”

“Yes, Mama,” Lala said. “I understand. So… if I’m doing mornings and you’re coming in at noon, who shall sit with her in the evenings?”

“I will,” Munenori said.

“Like hell you will,” Tenshi mumbled. “
I
will relieve Mika in the afternoon/evening hours.”

“Very good,” Yui said. “I will continue to spend every night by her side. Lala, you will come in at dawn and stay until your mother shows up with noon tea. Tenshi.” The Emperor turned toward him. “Starting today, we will take our evening meal together, here, on the balcony.”

Tenshi nodded his understanding.

“After dinner, you will stay with her until I can put the day’s business to rest. At which time, I will return and remain with her until dawn.”

“What if an emergency arises?” Munenori asked.

“Daichi will be our back-up,” Tenshi said coolly. “If a problem arises during
any
shift, summon him immediately. If he is otherwise engaged, he will send one of the other Archs.” The beautiful blue Angel narrowed his gaze. “We’ve got this, Munenori. Mama is not your concern.”

“You are free to come and stay as long and as often as you wish,” Yui added. “But we will split the appointed shifts up amongst her immediate family. You are her beloved Senpai. Naga would feel safe knowing that you were watching over her.”

When Munenori bowed toward the Emperor, Tenshi snorted and rolled his eyes.

“Raphael told me he would be by daily,” Yui said. “When he comes, see that you do not hinder him.” He looked over to his sleeping wife. “While I do not necessarily approve of their methods, the Archs are only seeing to her welfare.”

“But… why?” Lala whispered.

“Because, little one.” Tenshi pulled his daughter close and kissed the side of her head. “Your Obaasan can have one seriously wicked temper, especially when someone she loves is in danger.”

“As it should be,” Munenori whispered.

Son of my Guardian!

Tenshi looked down from the balcony to see Nilakanta in the field below.

Heaven nor hell could move me from this spot.
More Dragons landed while he was speaking.
Naga will be fine.

Tenshi only smiled.

“Hey, Goemon!” Lala yelled, waving. “Come on up. Grandpapa brought me some new books. I think you’re gonna like them.”

The young Shinobi waved back as he dismounted Kin-Ryu. When Lala hurried out of the room, Taka twittered after her.

“Bloody hell,” Duhrias mumbled under his breath before turning to go.

Mika giggled softly. “As far as watchers go… Mistress Naga will have plenty.”

“Yes.” Yui smiled. “And if her fierce Dragon could actually fit inside this room… there would be no stopping him.”

Munenori smiled to himself.
As it should be.

*****

By the end of the third week, Yui was more than just a little cross. When Raphael showed up for his regular visit, the Emperor let the Arch know
exactly
how he was feeling.

“Do you not believe enough time has passed, Angel?”

Raphael glanced over at the pretty, ageless ninja. “Fear not. When Gabriel says the time is right, I will wake her.”

“Why is it Gabriel’s decision?”

“In truth, I agree with my golden brother. I didn’t want to do it, no.” He lowered his voice. “I wish there could have been another way.”

“Did you even
try
to think of another way?”

Raphael smiled. “She holds sway with me, fair Emperor. Were it possible, I would have chained your lovely wife to my side and kept her awake. We would have watched from afar and witnessed Ashgard’s strife together. But you know how she is, little ninja. You know this beautiful woman’s fire, do you not? She would have talked me into joining her there. I know she would have. Gabriel knew it too. Had I been given charge over her… Michael would have us
both
bound in darkness by now.”

“Michael?”

Raphael nodded. “You have yet to meet that fierce brother of ours. He is as straight as they come. There are no grey areas where Michael is concerned. It is either black or white, period. When the rest of us fail her,
he
will step in. Had she gone to Ashgard…” He shuddered. “No, dear Emperor. This is what was best for Naga…
and
all who love her.”

Yui sighed as he sat down. “The war on Ashgard is well underway now. The initial clash is always the deadliest. Since her loved ones yet live… perhaps you could convince her that
they
can handle this, minus her help. Why don’t you just try? Wake her, Raphael. Wake her and see how she reacts.”

“Give it more time, Your Grace,” Raphael said softly. “The war has started, yes. Alas, it is far from over. And such being the case, what you hope for is simply not possible. Tell me. What good would it do to keep her safe all this time, only to wake her now… and lose her in the next instant?”

Yui sort of huffed out a grunt and looked away.

“If you are weary, Emperor, I will gladly take this shift.” Raphael spoke while staring lovingly at Jenevier’s sleeping face. “Saddle your horse and go for a ride. Meet with your kinsmen and share in a drink. Go for a long swim under the gentle moonlight. It doesn’t matter, just get out of the palace for a bit and take a deep breath. Worry not for my precious sister. I will not leave her side. I promise.”

“I do not need a
breather
, Angel. I do not tire of sleeping with my beautiful wife. And I sure as hell am not letting
you
take my place.” He mumbled that last part. “My anger is not born from
my
needs. I am vexed on
behalf
of Naga, not
because
of her. When you finally let her wake, there will be hell to pay. Very. Bloody. Hell. You know this as well as I do. If you could but wake her on occasion and tell her all is well… I believe things would go much better in the end.”

“I cannot,” Raphael whispered. “It’s too risky.”

Yui balled his hands into fists. “Then I will hold her while you do. Naga would
never
harm me to free herself.”

“That’s not it, pretty little ninja.” Raphael played with one of her curls as he spoke. “If this precious Angel opens her eyes right now and asks for my support, I would willingly help her slay the whole of Ashgard… and be back in time for tea.”

The Arch’s words were hard to hear, only because Yui knew them to be absolutely true. The Emperor of Jinn swallowed hard, yet ceased his prior pleading.

Gabriel is the only one thinking straight
, Yui thought.
The only one looking to the future… and all its possible ramifications.
He sighed.
I will leave well-enough alone… for today.

*****