Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

gifts of the Shinobi have not gone without my notice. I wish to know each of your talents for myself. I will admit to mild curiosity, yes, but I wish to employ those of you whose abilities could prove useful.”
    “Is Jinn at war?” Hanzo showed his sudden alarm. “Apologies, Sire. We keep mainly to ourselves and the news has not yet reached our mountain home.”
    “Jinn is not at war. I do not need your magic for such as that. We remain at peace while I live. No man is my equal in battle. Ease your minds and let your children play without worry. I sought your village to satisfy my own desires and no Iga is commanded follow me. If I leave here accompanied, it will be by your choice alone. No threat is implied and no denial will be met with retribution.”
    All present clan members relaxed at the Emperor’s words. Slight smiles now donned a few once hardened faces.
    “So, you wish a showing?” Saizo chuckled. “A magical feast for the mighty Emperor’s eyes, perhaps?”
    “And to see curiosity sated,” Musashi added.
    Orochimaru inclined his head. “It would be our greatest honor.”
    “We are many,” Hanzo warned.
    “I currently find myself blessed with time,” Musashi said.
    “Good.” Sasuke clapped his hands together. “Shall we begin?”

Chapter 5
    Apollyon
    (ah-PAH-lee-ahn)
     
     
     
    Apollyon had never dreamt of happiness before the fateful day he’d seen that glorious, sparkling new soul standing within his gates, all covered with golden curls and smiles.
    He carried the many pictures he’d taken of her in a small pouch hanging about his neck. He could scarce keep his hands off it. This soft cloth held all the treasure in the world to him. No creature in all of hell knew what lay within, save Ahriman, and that infuriated the darkest of Princes.
    He’d thought he was alone as he thumbed through his beloved pictures of her. It had become his daily ritual, the only few moments he would allow his heart to feel joy. An unhindered smile spread across his face as he looked at the one he had taken whilst standing behind her. He loved the graceful curve of her back, teasingly hidden behind all those flowing curls. There was one of her playfully skipping down the crystal street, one he’d taken as she was laughing, and he had even been able to snap one of her almost catching a butterfly.
    Apollyon had also held the camera out and took one while they kissed. Her dazzling eyes, so intent upon his face… this photograph alone was undeniable proof of the precious love she held only for him. A gentle glow illuminated those magical pink orbs, those loveliest of eyes, the only ones he could never forget… refused to forget.
    Remembrance. It’s the most horribly precious part of my cursed existence , he thought.
    He had taken a picture of her sitting upon the palace windowsill whilst they waited for King Merodach. He chuckled as he looked at it.
    I know she’s tiny, but her feet don’t even touch the floor in this one. They’re just dangling there like a child’s… swinging back and forth while she bangs her heels on the stone wall.
    He looked then at the close-up shot he’d taken of her in the doorway of the training dome… a single tear glistening upon her soft cheek, reflecting the brilliance of the waning sun.
    Her memories of her training are both precious and painful. I wished I’d known her then. He hurriedly brushed away his regretful tears. Why did I have to defy Father? If only I had listened, if only I had put away my rancid pride, behaved as a respectful Angel, then perhaps I would have been chosen as her mentor. Perhaps I could have kept her safe, could have been her whole world… as she is mine.
    But his favorite picture, by far, was the one he’d taken as she sat upon her knees near the rosebush outside her domed ethereal home.
    Her radiance puts the lovely flowers to shame , he thought.
    He’d captured her striking profile as she smelled a delicate pink bloom, almost the same color