Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) Read Free Page B

cherry tree blossom—Sakura Mankai.”
    She smiled. “After how I treated you back in the forest? You would still name me a cherry blossom, and in full bloom at that?”
    “Hmm… Perhaps your father was right.” His smile was so gentle, so kind. “You may look Sakura Mankai, but you definitely act Kagi Naga.”
    He winked and she giggled, nodding her agreement.
    “What is your name, kind sir?”
    “Ah, my name is Tokiwa, Suou Tokiwa. Please, call me Suou.”
    “Are you certain?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.
    “Yes.” He lowered his head. “I have shamed you, Madam. I had to remove your dress to stop the bleeding. The least I can do is let you use my first name.”
    “Suou?”
    He looked up at her.
    “I would never have made it without you,” she lied. “I will be forever grateful, never shamed.”
    Relief washed over his face. “Domo arigato.”
    “No, thank you .” She smiled and touched his hand. “I must be going now, Suou. I have people who will be worried about me if I do not return soon. You are a rare blessing to your people, Suou Tokiwa. A valiant soul if ever I have met one.”
    “Naga,” he softly whispered her name as he touched another curl.
    “Ask him to lay with you,” Uriel said.
    She sent the smirking Angel a scalding glare.
    “Well, do you want to leave or not? Listen, Naga. I have sat here the full three days. That human next to you has not closed his eyes for a single moment. I know. I have watched him. Trust me. It will not take long.”
    Jenevier shook her head wearily. She really did not want to do this.
    “Suou, you have not rested a moment. Have you?”
    He blushed but didn’t answer her.
    “Your health is too precious a thing to waste upon the likes of me. I am fine now, thanks to you. So come. Be at rest, my friend. Lay down by my side and sleep. You have earned it.”
    He shook his head furiously. “No, Naga. I could never do that—”
    She put a finger to his lips, instantly halting his words. “I insist,” she whispered. “Please.”
    He stared at her a moment longer, then he slowly laid down beside her, facing away.
    She cut her eyes toward Uriel. The Arch stood, touching Suou’s forehead. The man’s racing heart slowed, his breathing steadied.
    Once he was fast asleep, the two Angels quietly stepped out into the night, and disappeared.
     
    *****
     
    “Where is Naga?” Daichi roared when Uriel burst through the clouds over layer nine.
    “What do you mean, where’s Naga?” The Arch looked to his right, and then turned all the way around. “Sh-she was r-right beside me,” Uriel stammered, confused.
    Daichi shook his head. “Dammit to hell!” He roared loud enough to rattle the walls. “Come. Tell me all that befell you upon this summons, Uriel. I want to know every single detail, every tiny little thing that happened. I have been sick with worry.”
    He stormed back inside the palace, not even waiting for the Archangel’s response.

Chapter 2
    Kin Ryu
    (kin YOO)
     
     
     
    So, my tiny Angel misses me, does she?
    “More than you could possibly imagine, Brother.”
    Nilakanta extended his wing as she approached.
    “I have wings, too, ya know. I can fly up there.” She smiled and winked at her sapphire Dragon.
    I like it better like this, sweet Guardian. Come. Scale your Dragon and free your mind. I have a soft spot waiting, just for you.
    She couldn’t help but giggle as she climbed upon his back.
    “I have great need of my bonded brother this day.”
    Ahh, you are seeking your illusive freedom again. Are you not, little one?
    “Not wholly, Dragon. I’d rather like some answers, actually.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “And I would prefer it if you were with me. Will you join me, Nilakanta? Will you travel with me through the layers and put me at ease? Come, Brother. Help me put my life in order, tie up a few of my many loose ends.”
    You never even had to ask. If you would turn yourself over to me forever, I would