Free Cursed by Diamonds (A Dance with Destiny Book 1) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley Page A

curls fell down around his face, framing his fair skin and strong jaw line. Yet, as quickly as this enchantment had filled her mind, it was washed away by a wave of panic. She grabbed those beautiful soft curls, jerking his head back.
    “Tell me where you’ve seen this,” she said through gritted teeth.
    Alastyn’s emerald eyes were tightly closed, bitter tears streaming down his handsome face.
    Realizing how she was treating her valiant new friend, Jenevier’s terrified heart caved.
    “Oh, Alastyn, I… apologies. Please forgive me.” She tenderly took his face in her hands, pulling him close as she softly kissed his forehead. “I never meant to hurt you.”
    He relished the touch of her sweet lips upon him, her now gentle hands in his hair. His nose was so temptingly close to her neck. His lips, nearly touching her there. Her intoxicating scent filled his mind, fogging out the wretched memories within, replacing them with an almost unbearable desire to own her heart. As she now owned his.
    Jenevier kissed the top of his head many times, apologizing over and over. She leaned his head back and kissed both cheeks just under his closed eyelids, wiping away his tears with her tender lips. Touching their noses together, she began to rub them back and forth. Then, she giggled.
    Alastyn slowly opened his eyes. He couldn’t help but return her smile. Never had he been so smitten. His heart swelled with the sight of her loving smile, her sparkling eyes.
    “Hey, you okay now? I’m so sorry. That was my fear talking, Alastyn. Not me.”
    “Do not take it on your heart, Milady.” His eyes glistened when he looked at her. “You did not cause my tears, Princess.”
    “Then what, sweet prince? From whence comes your sorrow?”
    “It comes from the painful recollection of long forgotten memories. Memories of seeing that same scar when I was but a small child.”
    “Where, Alastyn?” Jenevier whispered. “Where did you see it?”
    “The last time I saw that scar… was the last time I ever saw my precious mother.”
    “Your mother?” Now, tears burned her eyes.
    “Yes. I can remember it well now. I was still very small. Father was in a panic. I was scared because Mama was crying uncontrollably, screaming something about a mark. I remember him holding her so tightly—kissing her face, whispering in her ear. That’s the only time I ever saw my father cry. When he had calmed Mama down, she played games with me in our yard until bedtime. I remember her scooping me up in her arms, rocking me to sleep. I can still hear her sweet voice… singing to me as my lids grew heavier, finally closing.”
    Alastyn smiled then, his eyes seemingly watching the cherished scenes from his past. The sight made Jenevier’s heart skip.
    “That was the last time I ever saw my mother. When I woke the next day, she was gone. And Father was a broken man. No one ever told me what happened to Mama. Every time I asked anyone or mentioned it in any way, I was hushed and told to go play. So, I cannot tell you what the mark is or what it even means. I was never told myself.”
    Jenevier and Jezreel sat in horrified amazement as they listened to Alastyn’s haunting tale.
    “So… Jenevier will be gone in the morning? When we wake?” Jezreel numbly whispered to herself.
    “No! I won’t let this happen,” Alastyn demanded. “Not again. I won’t let him take you too.”
    Jenevier gasped. “Take me? Are you saying the Prince has marked me to be taken?”
    “I cannot say for certain. I can only assume that’s what happened with my mother. He came in the night and took her away.”
    “Or had her taken,” Jezreel said. “The Prince doesn’t strike me as the type of man who labors with his own hands.”
    “There must be something I can do, anything,” Jenevier said through fresh tears. “Oh, I wish Marlise were here. She’d know what to do. I don’t want to be taken. I only wish to remain with my friends, in my home, tending to the