Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley Read Free Book Online Page A

tone.”
    Her sapphire Blessing simply turned, shaking his head, and went back into the palace.
     
    *****
     
    “Nilakanta?”
    Yes, little Naga.
    “I need to do something special for Yui.”
    How so?
    “I’m not sure.” She blew out a long breath. “But I need to do something to protect him, see to him… something to ensure his noble heart.”
    The Dragon smiled, inside and out.
    You love him too much. You know that, right?
    “Yes, I know.” She looked up at the passing clouds. “He deserves the world, Dragon. And somehow, some way… I will make sure he is blessed with more happiness than he could ever possibly imagine. I swear it.”
    Do you have something in mind, Little Fire?
    “Not yet. But my heart will dwell upon it continually until I find the answer. It’s out there, Nilakanta. I know it is. I feel it tingling within my wings.”
    Very well, Naga. If you are certain your soul can handle such a thing… I will help you find Yui’s happiness.
    “Gratitude, Brother, always.”
     

Chapter 4
    Shaemon
    (SHAE-mon)
     
     
     
    “Did your Death Angel ever find you?”
    Jenevier was surprised when she heard the proper little voice coming from beneath the large weeping cherry tree at the far end of Princess Falls. She smiled softly when she saw Shaemon Green sitting there—leaning against the large trunk, partially hidden by the bloom-laden branches.
    “Well hello, Shae. Life been treating you well these last many years?”
    The little Fairy-man just snorted by way of response.
    “Aww, come on now, Shae,” she said, sitting down next to him in the peaceful shade. “Don’t tell me you are still angry over this being my place.”
    “Of course I’m still angry. How can this be your place? It’s not fair,” he huffed. “Well, it doesn’t truly matter, anyway. I care not for the whole of this place, only the spot I now sit. Does that bother you, Angel? Do you wish to take away the only thing in this rotten world that truly makes me happy?”
    His voice cracked slightly. Shaemon quickly turned his head, but Jenevier had already noticed the tears spilling over from his beady black eyes.
    “Hey… Shaemon…” She took his hands in hers, gently squeezing. “What troubles you, old friend? Did I hurt your feelings? I was only kidding, Shae. Apologies. I should not have teased you so.”
    He sniffed. “It’s not you… it’s me.”
    “Are you not feeling well?”
    “I’ve just had a bad couple of days. Leave it, Angel. I’ll be fine. I just came here to think. That’s all.”
    “As you say, Shaemon, I will leave it. In truth, I am suffering from the same affliction myself.”
    The little Fairy turned to her, wide-eyed. “Affliction?”
    Jenevier nodded. “Yes. I have seen better days, that’s for sure. But these last few have been a real doozie.” She half laughed. “That is why I am here as well—to think. This place is magical. This place… it heals me when my heart knows nothing but trouble.” She leaned over, lightly bumping him with her shoulder. “Let us make a deal, Shaemon. Let us form a pact.”
    He furrowed his brows. “What kind of pact?”
    “Let us share in this place. What do you think?”
    He didn’t answer, only stared blankly at her. She chuckled.
    “I bequeath half of Princess Falls to you, my sour little friend. From this day forth, this place belongs to the both of us. If you can meet the terms.”
    “Terms? What terms?”
    “The terms of our pact.”
    He lifted one haughty eyebrow. “Which are?”
    “The most important part—to keep this place secret from all. You cannot breathe a word of it to your Fairy friends.”
    “That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve known about this place longer than you have and I’ve never breathed a word of it. So, what other terms do you require?”
    “We must share.”
    “Share? Share what?”
    She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “If one of us should happen upon the other… we must share with them the sorrow