Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) (7 page)

“I have myself. Who else do I need?”

“What? But who—”

“I will never abandon myself, Dante. I will never hurt myself or let myself down in any way. Do you think me frail? Simple, perhaps? Can you not see that I am more than capable of taking care of a small home and a couple horses?”

“I do not doubt your strength, Milady. Nor did I mean to insinuate in any way that you were
simple
. No, far from it, Jenevier. You are a remarkable woman.” He smiled then, a warm gentleness softening his handsome features. “Ahh… can you not tell? Your lovely eyes alone make me weak. Yes, you are gifted with rare magic to be sure. But, tell me. Where are your friends, tiny Princess? Where are the ones you love?”

“In the stables,” she snapped.

“Come now…” He lightly touched her cheek. “Do not be cross with me. I truly wish to know. Tell me. Where are your human friends, Milady? The ones you laugh with. The ones you share your dreams with. What about the special one you share your heart with? Where are
those
friends, Princess?”

“I know not.” She looked away. “I cannot remember if ever I had someone such as that in my life. But I’m certain if I have managed to survive up until this point by myself—”

“It’s not about surviving,” he interrupted her, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s about living.”

Dante moved behind her as he spoke, taking the soap from off the shelf. He began to gently wash her hair, taking special care around the now diminishing bump.

She wanted to lash out at him not to touch her. But his hands felt sooo good in her hair. She closed her eyes, never wanted him to stop.

“I’m sorry I made you cry,” he whispered.

“I’m not crying,” she lied.

He smiled down at the back of her head. “Regardless… I am sorry if I hurt your feelings in any way. I guess you could say I am curious by nature. And nothing is more fascinating to me than human nature.”

She sort of grunted, rolled her eyes where he couldn’t see.

“But mostly… I was wondering if there was room in your life for
me
. I would very much like the opportunity to get to know you.”

A sardonic laugh escaped as she brushed away the tears, but salted her words with sarcasm. “And be my friend, my
human
friend?”

“Yes… at first.”

He poured clean water over her hair, making sure all the bubbles were gone before picking up her arm and gently washing it as well.

His touch left her as weak as a babe and his voice lovingly rocked her heart in its arms.

“I find you not only breathtakingly beautiful, but extraordinarily interesting as well. I am also keenly intrigued by your intelligence and sharp wit. I want to understand where it comes from. I wish to know you, Jenevier. Every hidden secret, every wandering thought—I want to know them all. What is your favorite flower? Your favorite food? Which type of wine do you prefer in the evening, sweet or dry? I wish to be able to see to your every need… before they even become needs.”

“Why? Why do you care?”

Now it was his turn to laugh. He picked up her other arm and continued bathing her. She had to
demand
her eyelids not to flutter.

“Well, in truth, I have traveled to many places in this world. And… I have known many intriguing people, many women.”

He lifted her foot and squeezed bubbles between her toes. She almost giggled.

“Do that again.”

He smiled as he obeyed her adorable request.

“Yet never have I met one with such raw innocence… coupled with such fierce independence. And devotion—the unconditional love you show to your
friends
out there—never have I seen the like.”

He placed her foot back in the water and gently picked up the other one, squeezing the bubbles between her toes again. She fought off her mounting giggles.

“Wait… Dante, are you mocking me?”

“No. I would never mock you. I do not yet trust your patience in my regard.” He smiled, but didn’t look up to meet her gaze. “I was referring to Raven. You love him ferociously, do you not?”

“Yes. That’s a rather
odd
way of putting it. But yes. I love him truly.”

“It’s as if you have been locked away from the world and all its influences. Yet you thrive—blissful and content.” He met her questioning gaze then. “Surely you can understand how amazing that is. How amazing
you
are. Jenevier, you are the rarest creature I have ever met. With but a look, I was enchanted. I know not if you charmed me, or if Fate decided to finally bless me. But I do know this. I never want to leave. You have piqued my curiosity, tiny lady. Does that scare you?”

“So… I am a merely a curiosity to you, am I? An enigma? A quest, perhaps?”

“Not in the least. In truth, you are the very opposite. You’re not the challenge, my dear. You are the reward.”

“Reward?”

“Yes, reward. After my many years of searching, it is nearly impossible for me to believe I have finally found you.”

“Y-you were l-looking for me?”

“My whole life… yes.” He moved closer. “Does that scare you, Jenevier? Have I said too much too soon?”

“…N-no.”

She blushed and looked down. He gently lifted her chin.

“I have waited for you for so long, Milady.” He moved to kiss her, pausing just before their lips touched. “Please,” he whispered against her waiting mouth. “Give me the chance to know you.”

His kiss was… utter euphoria. She could feel the tingle all the way down to her toes. All those little electrical currents—the ones she had been desperately trying to suppress—exploded within her.

When Dante started to move away, she grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him to her. She wasn’t ready for this feeling, this magic, to end. When their lips finally parted, he rested their foreheads together.

“…Jenevier.”

She watched the rapid rise and fall of his perfect chest.

“I have never felt such undeniable passion from merely a kiss,” he whispered, breathlessly.

She closed her eyes, holding back the burning tears. He lightly placed his lips to the top of her head, remaining there for several heartbeats.

She heard the soft click of the door as he left. Her heart wanted so badly to go along with this madness. She wanted to put aside her fears
and
that little lingering doubt running around in the back of her mind. If she were being honest with herself, she
wanted
to know love—wanted to know its glories, its pleasures, even its pain. She wanted it all. And she wanted it with Dante.

Ugh! Again I ask… What the hell is wrong with me?
She blew out a long breath as she picked up one of the pretty pink rose petals. She smiled.
Why is this happening to me? And so easily, at that. Who is this man? How is it he holds such sway over my heart? He makes me tremble inside—quiver from his mere touch. And I love it! By the gods… I love the way he makes me feel—giddy with euphoria, smiling ‘til my cheeks hurt. I cannot say if such a thing will lead to love, not truly. But this is definitely desire, true desire.

*****

An involuntary smile was spread across her face as she walked into the kitchen, twisting her curls up in a towel. When she noticed the note stuck under the edge of an empty plate, she released a long breath, blowing her joy out with it.

Dante was gone.

She carefully unfolded the paper and read the scratchy handwriting… “Apologies, my love. I promise to return when I can.”

She sighed, disappointedly. “I knew I’d have to wake at some point… dammit.”

Tossing the note aside, she spread jam on a slice of bread, poured some tea, and walked out onto the patio.

“
This
is one of the very reasons I don’t like people.” She spoke aloud to her steaming teacup. “If you have no one, then you have no one to miss. Remember how pleasant it was yesterday morning? Just you and me and the sunrise. Yesterday at this time I was happy and thankful. One single human later… I feel lonely and abandoned. What good are people anyway?”

Jenevier was still talking away when she noticed a small package lying on the banister beside her.

“Here now, what’s this?”

It was wrapped in brittle old brown paper and tied with a string. She blew the dust off and examined it closer.

“What an odd way to wrap a gift,” she mumbled.

Odd wouldn’t even
begin
to describe what she found inside.

Chapter 6

Alastyn

(ah-LASS-tin)

The handsome young man with the emerald eyes grabbed Jenevier as she began to swoon. He swept her up in his arms.

“I have you, Milady. Be calm. I will keep you safe.”

The remaining villagers looked sympathetically toward them. In their hearts they wanted to help, yet they knew better. Hurriedly gathering up their children, they headed for home. Leaving behind the three bewildered young people… standing beneath the last lit lantern remaining from the now forgotten celebration.

“Help me get her back to her house,” he said.

“I-I’m okay now. A-all is well… I believe.”

Jenevier’s mind was reeling from shock. She tried to slide from his arms, tried to stand on her own. She failed miserably.

“Please, let me help you.” Deep concern was obvious in Alastyn’s strong voice, but an even deeper fear was growing in his heart. “I should not be able to sleep this night if I knew not how you fared.”

“Gratitude, I will be forever in your debt.”

She tried to manage a smile in return for his kindness. Instead, she simply gave in and laid her spinning head upon his shoulder.

“No need for your gratefulness, Milady. The need is on my part alone.”

“Apologies for not asking before,” she whispered. “Forgive me.”

“Forgive you for what, Milady?”

“Your name. I never asked. What’s your name?”

“Alastyn.”

She smiled. “Alastyn… I like it. It is an especially strong name. Did you know that? Ancient as an Olden, it is. Suits you well.” She gently fingered one of his long curls. “How is it you seem so resolute for one your age.”

He snorted. “I’m not much younger than you, Jenevier. Not more than a couple months, I should think.”

Jezreel smiled, teasingly. “And already such a man. Such a valiant gentleman, at that.”

Alastyn looked at her in obvious confusion. He didn’t know for sure if she was being mean, or if she was simply trying to lighten the weight of the moment.

“Don’t play with him so, Jezreel. I, for one, am truly grateful you were at my side this evening, Alastyn.”

Jenevier managed to smile again, sweetly this time. Alastyn cleared his throat nervously. Just as they reached Marlise’s little cottage, she gently kissed his cheek.

“Gratitude, sweet prince.”

His face burned brightly. He tried to look away. And she found
that
endearing as well.

“Now, let’s have a look at that hand,” Jezreel said whilst lighting a few candles.

Jenevier had kept her aching right hand clasped firmly within her left. She was actually too terrified to look at it. Alastyn was on his knees in front of her when Jezreel returned with the candles. Gently, he took her clenched hands in his.

She closed her eyes, turned her head, and ever so slowly, gave in.  When he carefully unclasped her tiny fingers, Jezreel gasped aloud at the scorched, blackened flesh now marring her dear friend.

“Oh dear stars! How in the world did
that
happen?”

Jenevier jerked her head around and stared in horror at her once fair skin. The gruesome black burn strangely resembled a twisted heart.

“W-what is it?”

“I know not,” Jezreel said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I have,” Alastyn whispered.

“You’ve seen this mark before?” Jenevier asked.

Jezreel gasped again. “Mark? That’s what the old woman said—that you’d been marked.”

All attention landed firmly upon Alastyn. Alastyn—the boy who now sat with his eyes closed, rocking back on his heels, lost within himself.

“What is it?” Jezreel demanded. “Tell me. You said you’d seen it before. Where? Where have you seen this?”

Jezreel was the one with the white hot temper and severe lack of patience during stressful situations. Jenevier tended to be on the stronger, more leveled side. But she was no
calming saint
by any stretch of the imagination. They fit well together.

“I-I don’t know what it is exactly. A m-mark,” he stuttered.

“A mark?” Jenevier felt nauseous and dizzy. “This much I already know.”

“Where have you seen it?” Jezreel’s voice was rising with each word.

Alastyn didn’t answer. He couldn’t. He was lost in horrible thought. Staring at Jenevier’s wounded little hand lying there in his, long forgotten memories began tormenting him anew.

Jenevier’s gaze remained firmly fixed upon the young man, awaiting his response. She noticed once again his fair and beautiful features. He was almost… pretty. Long black curls fell down around his face, framing his fair skin and strong jaw line. Yet, as quickly as this enchantment had filled her mind, it was washed away by a wave of panic. She grabbed those beautiful soft curls, jerking his head back.

“Tell me where you’ve seen this,” she said through gritted teeth.

Alastyn’s emerald eyes were tightly closed, bitter tears streaming down his handsome face.

Realizing how she was treating her valiant new friend, Jenevier’s terrified heart caved.

“Oh, Alastyn, I… apologies. Please forgive me.” She tenderly took his face in her hands, pulling him close as she softly kissed his forehead. “I never meant to hurt you.”

He relished the touch of her sweet lips upon him, her now gentle hands in his hair. His nose was so temptingly close to her neck. His lips, nearly touching her there. Her intoxicating scent filled his mind, fogging out the wretched memories within, replacing them with an almost unbearable desire to own her heart. As she now owned his.

Jenevier kissed the top of his head many times, apologizing over and over. She leaned his head back and kissed both cheeks just under his closed eyelids, wiping away his tears with her tender lips. Touching their noses together, she began to rub them back and forth. Then, she giggled.

Alastyn slowly opened his eyes. He couldn’t help but return her smile. Never had he been so smitten. His heart swelled with the sight of her loving smile, her sparkling eyes.

“Hey, you okay now? I’m so sorry. That was my fear talking, Alastyn. Not me.”

“Do not take it on your heart, Milady.” His eyes glistened when he looked at her. “You did not cause my tears, Princess.”

“Then what, sweet prince? From whence comes your sorrow?”

“It comes from the painful recollection of long forgotten memories. Memories of seeing that same scar when I was but a small child.”

“Where, Alastyn?” Jenevier whispered. “Where did you see it?”

“The last time I saw that scar… was the last time I ever saw my precious mother.”

“Your mother?” Now, tears burned
her
eyes.

“Yes. I can remember it well now. I was still very small. Father was in a panic. I was scared because Mama was crying uncontrollably, screaming something about a mark. I remember him holding her so tightly—kissing her face, whispering in her ear. That’s the only time I ever saw my father cry. When he had calmed Mama down, she played games with me in our yard until bedtime. I remember her scooping me up in her arms, rocking me to sleep. I can still hear her sweet voice… singing to me as my lids grew heavier, finally closing.”

Alastyn smiled then, his eyes seemingly watching the cherished scenes from his past. The sight made Jenevier’s heart skip.

“That was the last time I ever saw my mother. When I woke the next day, she was gone. And Father was a broken man. No one ever told me what happened to Mama. Every time I asked anyone or mentioned it in any way, I was hushed and told to go play. So, I cannot tell you what the mark is or what it even means. I was never told myself.”

Jenevier and Jezreel sat in horrified amazement as they listened to Alastyn’s haunting tale.

“So… Jenevier will be gone in the morning? When we wake?” Jezreel numbly whispered to herself.

“No! I won’t let this happen,” Alastyn demanded. “Not again. I won’t let him take you too.”

Jenevier gasped. “Take me? Are you saying the Prince has marked me to be taken?”

“I cannot say for certain. I can only assume that’s what happened with my mother. He came in the night and took her away.”

“Or
had
her taken,” Jezreel said. “The Prince doesn’t strike me as the type of man who labors with his
own
hands.”

“There must be something I can do, anything,” Jenevier said through fresh tears. “Oh, I wish Marlise were here. She’d know what to do. I don’t want to be taken. I only wish to remain with my friends, in my home, tending to the village children. I want to be like Marlise.”

“Is there nothing she taught you?” Alastyn asked, desperately. “Nothing she ever mentioned about the mark?”

“No, nothing.” Jenevier stood, trembling. Her tears refused to stop. “I’m not ready, Alastyn. I’m not ready to fill Aunt Marlise’s shoes. And I’m certainly not ready to deal with some bizarre curse from some dark, twisted Prince.”

“If he or anyone else comes for you, they will have to kill me, Milady.” Alastyn stood, wrapping his strong arms around her trembling form. “No one’s leaving here with you, Jenevier… unless it’s me.”

This may be an inexperienced youth before me, yet he is blessed with the mighty heart of a warrior.

Jezreel came into the room carrying a bunch of dusty old books.

“Now, now. No one needs to die here tonight. Or any other night, as far as that goes. This house has known enough suffering and death as it is. Come. Let’s read through some of Marlise’s writings and see what we can glean.”

Jenevier lit more candles. They each began studying from different manuscripts, scrolls, and various other books.

As the night wore on, Jezreel stood and slammed shut an old shell-encrusted journal. “Well, I for one need some tea.”

“Sounds good to me.” Jenevier yawned. “How about you, Alastyn?”

“No thank you. I’m good,” he replied, absently.

Jenevier quietly stepped out the back door to drink in the night air while Jezreel heated the water. She loved the moon. It had always been her comforter, her glowing protector. The door’s hinges creaked as it opened behind her. Yet, she remained still—eyes closed, arms folded, face tilted toward the heavens. Smiling as she soaked up the cool night.

“You shouldn’t be out here all alone,” Alastyn whispered. “When I couldn’t find you, my heart skipped a few beats. Please, do not scare me so, Milady. Always stay where I can see you. Promise?”

She remained motionless, arms crossed over her chest. “How is it you are only seventeen?”

“I’m almost eighteen, Jenevier. I am not a child.”

She smiled. “How is it you’re almost eighteen, yet you seem ancient to me?”

“How so?”

“I read it in your sparkling green eyes, when you first took my hand.”

“I felt a mysterious pull in my heart at that very moment,” he admitted.

“Something happened…” She paused. “Well, something was
trying
to happen. Before we were interrupted.”

“Something
did
happen… in me,” he whispered.

His honest confession made her heart flutter.

“You make me feel secure, Alastyn… protected. Like it’s all going to be all right. How is that possible? How is it one still young carries such an old soul?”

He moved closer to her. Yet, she remained as she was.

“I had no choice, Milady. I didn’t have a blessed childhood. My father is a kind man, yes. But he is not nurturing. Not as my mother was.”

He cautiously reached out and lightly touched her hair. Most of the flowers and beads were still in it, but they were now wilting and loose. He stepped close enough to smell her again. He tried to breathe in her exquisite scent, lock it away deep inside, keep it with him forever.

She leaned back, resting wearily against his firm chest. His heart beat wildly. She smiled when she heard the excitement pounding within his breast, felt the vibrations of it on the back of her head. He wrapped his arms around her waist, placing his chin atop her head.

“I am truly thankful you were sent into my life this night, Alastyn,” she whispered, still smiling.

“There is no other purpose for my being. Not anymore. I knew that the moment I first saw you in the dance circle. It was an enchanting vision. One I will carry with me and cherish always.”

He gave her a tiny squeeze. Her heart leapt.

“Are you certain you’re only seventeen?”

“Almost eighteen.”

She smiled again. “And yet… so tall.”

“Perhaps you’re just, well,
not
so tall,” he said teasingly.

They shared a laugh as he squeezed her again, leaning down to smell her lovely rose-scented hair once more.

His long dark curls fell across her face, lightly brushing her cheek, causing her mind to fill with thoughts of passion. Jenevier was suddenly confused. She had never been this close to a boy before. Her heart raced and her knees felt weak. She feared she might be sick. She swallowed hard.