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

“Stop listening in on our private conversation, Arch.”
    Daichi squeezed her a little tighter. “Then stop having it in public. Come. There is a beautiful young Emperor over there who looks as if he has lost his best friend.”
    She glanced toward Yui as Daichi spoke.
    “And as incredible as it would be—seeing such a perfect marriage come to an end…” Daichi turned her to face him. “…today is not the day. Now is not the time. This day is about Lala. Not Naga. Go. Kiss your husband and beg his forgiveness. The dancing will soon start.” He smiled. “And Lala has asked me to be her first partner.”
    “You?”
    Daichi nodded proudly. “I cannot wait to see how many shades of green Tenshi turns and that damnable River Spirit that is always hanging about.”
    “His name is Duhrias.”
    “I care not.” Daichi held his elbow out to her. “Come, Empress. Bless the masses with your lovely smile. Reaffirm their ridiculously worshipping adoration of you.”
    Jenevier snorted out a chuckle. “What’s gotten into you, Daichi? Why so jovial?”
    He glanced down at her. “I thought perhaps it was about time to stop looking so glum and cross. I will be enjoying my blessed life from now on. Perhaps you should give it a shot as well, Death Angel.”
    Jenevier took Yui’s hand as Daichi made his way to Lala.
    Yes, perhaps I will , she thought. Perhaps I’ll stop being so glum myself. Perhaps it is time to just be happy.
     
    *****
     
    “Ye look like an Angel, Lass.”
    Jenevier snorted out a laugh when Vittorio bumped her with his shoulder.
    “I am an Angel, Guardian. So… that really wasn’t a compliment.”
    “Aye, hello there, fair Emperor.”
    When Vittorio inclined his head toward him, Yui acquiesced.
    “Why are you here, Brother?” Jenevier fixed the turned-under collar of the handsome Guardian’s shirt. “How did you come to know about the Kougai?”
    “Aye, Vareilious invited me.” He smiled. “Lala is a rare lass… just like her Nan.”
    “Nan?” She chuckled. “I haven’t heard that since I lived on Val Hal.” Jenevier furrowed her brow then. “Hey… don’t call me that. It makes me feel old.”
    “Aye, ye are old, Lass.” He bumped her again. “But ye’ve aged well.”
    Even Yui smiled at that comment.
    “I’ll be letting ye get back tae yer party now. I just came over tae give ye a kiss.” Vittorio did so, then motioned toward Yui. “An’ tae give yer pretty wee Emperor a warning.”
    “A warning?” Yui turned to face the Guardian then. “Warning concerning what?”
    “Aye, concerning yer lovely wife, that’s what.”
    “Me?” Jenevier furrowed her brow. “Why me? What have I done. I mean… lately, that is.”
    Vittorio chuckled. “I heard from a good cat friend of mine…” He glanced at her sideways. “That ye visited Byzantha recently.”
    Jenevier shook her head. “…No. I haven’t been there in ages.”
    “Aye, is that so?”
    She nodded. “It is. I mean… I never get summonsed to that layer.”
    “True,” Vittorio said. “The cats are nae as fond of war as they are of love.”
    “What makes you say I was on Byzantha, Brother?”
    Vittorio shrugged his shoulders. “I heard ye went tae see Taizeen, gave yer royal kin a wee visit. Word spread quickly, Lass. Yer rare scent wafted throughoot the whole forest.”
    “Is that so? Hmm… Well, it wasn’t me. I wonder who—”
    “An’ as for the warning…” Vittorio cut her off as he leaned toward Yui. “She isnae allowed tae go tae Byzantha.”
    Jenevier snorted. “What do you mean, not allowed ?”
    Vittorio ignored her and continued, “If Daichi or Vareilious found oot she was sneaking aboot among those cats… there’d be hell tae pay. That be the truth of it.”
    “What are you—” Jenevier shoved the Guardian’s shoulder. “Hey! I do not sneak .”
    Vittorio chuckled. “I’m just giving ye some friendly advice, Emperor. Make sure she nae goes tae Byzantha. The lass is weak tae their