Read Online Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley - Free Book Online Page A

back down with a gushing sound of relief, Lala turned her attention to the multiple mini twisters she was now carefully manipulating. The gathered crowd gasped as the invisible wind spouts became colored with dust, and then tinged with purple by the many blooms they now claimed.
    “…So beautiful,” Jenevier whispered.
    Lala approached the gilded podium and stood with her back toward her proud family, then began beckoning the tiny twisters come closer. As each swirling mass converged with the other, an enormous column of brown and purple wind now stood before them. At Lala’s command, the colorful tornado began to tilt away from the crowd… until it seemed as if the tip was emanating from the girl’s dainty palms.
    “Nilakanta,” Lala called out over her shoulder. “If you would…”
    Jenevier heard the mighty sapphire Dragon take a single step forward.
    “No!”
    Jenevier immediately leapt to her feet—arm outstretched, fingers splayed—as if she were physically trying to halt Lala’s words from reaching her bonded friend.
    “I forbid it!”
    A hush fell over the crowd. Everyone present turned toward their incensed Empress, eyes wide.
    “Naga… what are you—”
    Yui’s words were cut short when she slowly turned to face him. The look in her magical pink eyes carried the icy bite of a bitter Northern wind. He shrank back at the chilling sight.
    “No one commands my Dragon, save me,” she hissed. “No one. Goemon may allow you to mount Kin Ryu in his presence, but never will such be the case with my Dragon. Nilakanta is mine!”
    Jenevier turned then toward Adeline. The large pink Dragon met her gaze and stepped forward.
    “Noble she-Dragon,” Jenevier said. “Is there not one among you who could assist? Call upon a worthy partner for my beloved granddaughter.”
    The regal Dragon bowed her head toward her Guardian. The gathered ones of Adeline’s kind slowly parted, and a petite pink Dragon gracefully made her way to the center of that large open field.
    I present to you… Flara , Adeline said.
    Jenevier bowed toward the beautiful young Dragon—not much bigger than a war horse—before motioning for the creature to proceed.
    “Lala, this is Flara,” Jenevier said. “She has graciously offered herself to your service this day.”
    When Flara reached the waiting Shinobi Princess, she released a tiny breath of fire. The result was phenomenal. That spinning column of wind was now an utterly lethal inferno of rock-melting Dragon Fire, cutting a large swath down the middle of that beautiful lavender field. The resulting applause was thunderous and continual.
    Lala smiled brightly as she turned back to face her awe-stricken audience, bowing low before them.
    Jenevier ran out to meet her, wrapping her granddaughter up in her arms and her wings. “Never have I been more proud,” she whispered.
    Lala returned her loving embrace. “I am so sorry, Obaasan.”
    “Hush now, child,” Jenevier said through her happy tears. “There is nothing to apologize for. If the day ever comes when you find yourself to be bonded as I am… only then will you understand. Now, look at me, little one.” She lifted the girl’s quivering chin. “You, Lala, are a treasure among treasures—jewel of the Iga crown. I stand in awe of you, beautiful Princess.”
     
    *****
     
    Make a scene like that just once more, Little Fire, and I will make good on my promise.
    Jenevier glanced toward her gorgeous sapphire Dragon. Oh yeah. And what promise was that?
    The one I made to you on Val Hal, Naga. Just once more, show me fire akin to that—fire kindled with such jealousy, such fierce possession—and I will show you the kind of rare magic Dragons are truly capable of.
    Jenevier was still staring into Nilakanta’s golden eyes, trying to process the true intent of his words, when Daichi wrapped his arms around her from behind.
    “Careful, Naga.” Daichi kissed the top of her head. “I think he means it.”
    Jenevier smiled.