Angel Unchained

By Jordana Barber

In her life, Azriella Carnadine, the Aliisian Demon-Djinn Princess, has seen more than most. Between her role as the Timekeeper and maintaining the balance that keeps the world from ending, there aren't many experiences or situations she hasn't been a party too. At least, that's what she thought. But now, things have drastically changed. After the failed attempt on her life, her personal life has spiraled out of control. Juggling her two conflicting lives has become daunting and attempting to thwart the brewing inter-dimensional war has moved from difficult to impossible.

Plagued by distrust among the those who surround her and caught up in a power struggle that threatens to destroy all that she holds dear, the Princess is torn between her duty and her heart. Desire is pushing all of the afflicted to the point of madness. Her Dragon Guardian has all but abandoned her, leaving her in the hands of her untrustworthy first husband and her ailing fiancé. Azriella is left virtually unprotected against the horde of Angels competing for her affection and her life.

The Princess is grasping at straws to gain control back over her life and just keep breathing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jordana Barber
• Release date: Dec 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310779107

Jordana Barber

Jordana Barber was born in Portland Oregon in 1982, she is currently writing the next book in the Aliis Mundi series. She is happily married and is the proud mother of four boys. When she's not trying to pull the children out of the dog pile in the living room, she's wandering around the mountains of Colorado.

Book preview

ANGEL UNCHAINED

BOOK ONE OF THE ALIIS MUNDI SERIES

Jordana Barber

Copyright © 2014 Jordana Barber

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1502313774

ISBN-13: 978-1502313775

To all of my friends and family, I adore you…

Get down on your knees and pray,

Get down on your knees and say,

I adore you.

I need to exist in your world, my love,

Where do the Angels lie?

In the comfort of your night,

Where do the Angels lie?

Visualize.

I want to close my eyes, we can fall in love together,

I want to feel that perfect velvet rose forever.

-William Control

from Adore (Fall in Love Forever)

Chapter 1

This is bullshit, Azul! Do you hear me? Straight up, unbelievable bullshit! I roared furiously, in a silent telepathic way. The last thing I needed was to be overheard as I marched through the vacant corridor of the High Council’s HQ. I hadn’t intended to spend my evening in Portlandia City, with people I wanted to disembowel in the cruelest of ways imaginable. Those miserable toads had no clue about what I had in store for them. No one threatened my family and lived to tell the tale.

I’d worked myself into such a rage I barely heard Azul chuckle behind me. Maintaining my naïve appearance would prove to be the difficult part of dealing with these bureaucratic baboons tonight. As far as they were aware, I’d agreed to this meeting with good will and honorable intentions, which was exactly what I wanted them to believe. I’d heard no mention of a threat on my fiancé’s life when I’d gotten home earlier in the night.

Some details I liked to keep to myself and far from the enemy’s prying eyes and ears, and this was the only way I was going to be able to preserve my privacy. I slowed and adjusted my attitude before I turned the corner to my destination. I had to act the part. I calmly strolled toward the Guards stationed at the chamber door and smiled so broad it made my face hurt.

I’ve been summoned for a meeting scheduled tonight. The usual Guard on duty stared at me like I’d grown a second head. I tried not to laugh. His face was priceless. I suppose I’d given him good reason to be nervous over the years. Unusual behavior, such as smiling, might set him on edge.

Of course, Princess. We’ll notify the Chairman of your arrival immediately. He gave a small nod to the Guard standing opposite him, who then vanished behind a door off to the side of the main chamber, and turned back to me. If I may say so, Princess, you’re in a wonderful mood this evening. He made an effort not to stutter. No one could scare a Council Guardian shitless quite like I could just by grinning. It had to be the teeth.

Didn’t you hear? I’m getting married again! I’ll be with someone I’ve been in love with since childhood. I finally have something to look forward to. Pity, I’m not happy more often. Wouldn’t that be a spectacular change? The Guard gave Azul a wide-eyed stare.

"Just enjoy the change man, I’m ecstatic. Look, she’s glowing. How could anyone not want her to stay this way for as long as possible? Her fiancé is a proper gentleman too, even I like him, and I hate almost everyone." Azul’s voice rumbled through the corridor. The poor Guard, unsure of how to react, smiled to be safe. He knew better than to disagree with a Dragon.

I understand. I attempt to keep my own wife happy as well. The man offered nervously. I had a suspicion that keeping his lady content didn’t involve marrying her off to another man. He glanced over his shoulder at the returning Guardian, who gave him a nod. Relieved, he opened the large doors to the Council’s main assembly room. With a broad smile, I waltzed to the center of the vault like nothing could bring me down.

The chamber was dark, the Council’s seats remained empty, tucked behind the mahogany panel typically use to shield officials from Portlandia’s rank and file. After several minutes the door opened and the robed figures oozed in like molasses, and crept to their assigned positions. I rocked on my heels, supporting my bubbly façade. If they discovered I'd become aware of their plans, this charade would end in disaster. All thirteen sat down and the Chairman in the middle of the congregation looked grim.

Do you have any inkling why we’ve asked you here, Azriella? As he spoke, the Chairman’s fatty jowls jiggled, and I longed to slit his throat and remove the disgusting blubber. I forced a slight smile, hiding the ferociousness of my pointed teeth. Aggression wouldn’t do me any favors tonight, biting my tongue would. Tact wasn't one of my strong points.

"Hayır sir, I don’t, but I’m sure you’ll enlighten me." My cheerful reply managed to cover up my contempt. Bastard, you threatened my fiancé, that’s why we’re here. You don’t own a set of balls big enough to threaten him publicly, you worthless coward. I continued to smile at the useless waste of flesh sitting in front of me. Blood welled up in my mouth as my teeth pierced the tissue of my inner cheek.

It has come to our attention that Jaylynne Kwan, a young lady we’ve been monitoring since birth, has been off the grid for quite some time. Operatives have been falsely reporting her whereabouts and activities for more than the past ten years. We’ve been led to believe that you had some influence over the Agents assigned to Miss Kwan. Would you care to shed some light on the subject? Zak concluded and I frowned. Damn, faking was difficult. The truth was I hadn’t been involved in hiding Jaylynne from their depraved entity. I knew plenty about the who and why, but made sure I’d never be implicated.

I don’t know who would make such claims about me, Chairman. The only information I possess on Lady Jaylynne Kwan can be read in her dossier. She’s the daughter of Oracle Meredith Kwan and Marquis Dante Nicolai. As far as who’s been watching her and the reports they’ve made, well, I’m not allowed near Council Agents. I’m hurt by your accusations. I don’t tamper with emissaries. As you well know, I can’t and don’t, associate with the Resource Department. I attempted to look innocent and naïve while my internal dialog raged.

You assholes, I recognize exactly why you blamed me, because you blame me for everything. I made sure to pause before speaking, as if I needed to think about a person with motive. Give me a break. Only a dimwit wouldn’t be able to figure this out.

It’s possible your old foe, Marquis Nicolai, is responsible. She is Dante’s daughter, and he hates the High Council more than most. He blames you for his wife’s passing, among other countless infractions against him and his family. I suggested to the dolt. The members started whispering to one another, and Councilwoman Secor leaned over to enlighten Chairman Zak of his idiocy.

Your assumption might be correct, Azriella. For the record, we had nothing to do with Meredith Kwan’s death. She died of natural causes serving the Norse Pantheon. Zak delivered the obviously rehearsed lines like a pro. For once, I nodded in agreement. She had found herself at the mercy of nature. She went insane and checked out, as most Oracles did. It was a blatant lie to say the Council wasn’t responsible for her going batshit crazy. They’d accelerated the process. This, however, was not the time to point those details out.

I never claimed you did, but the Marquis knows little about her death since you banned him from Portlandia shortly after his children were born. You had to realize this would come back to bite you in the ass eventually, Chairman. You stole the man’s family. I can’t think of a better person with motive. Dante may be dating my granddaughter, but we’ve never found common ground. I don’t mind throwing him under the bus, so long as Aural doesn’t find out. I stated matter-of-factly. I sure hoped this worked. I couldn’t afford to be up Shit Creek right now.

Dante was the most logical and safest person to blame. Short of waging war against the Desert Colony, there was nothing they could do to him. He’d be able to hold his own, and if need be, call on his allies for assistance. Deflection was the key to this situation. The Council needed to stop monitoring me. There were too many things that needed to be done, and life would be a hell of a lot simpler minus their vile spies.

The members turned back to each other. I glanced at Azul out of the corner of my eye. He was intently focused on the exchange in front of us, the smoke streaming out of his snout indicated his irritation. He looked for any hint, some sign that they believed I needed continuous babysitting. After several minutes, the fat man spoke.

I apologize, Princess. Pointing the finger at you was a rash decision. Marquis Nicolai is the likely culprit. You’re not even in Aliis enough to keep her so carefully hidden. We understand you’re preparing for your upcoming wedding. We won’t keep you any longer. The Chairman concluded, letting me off the hook gracefully.

Those pretentious creatures bought the act. I beamed, pleased with myself. They’d wonderfully played into my hand. After a shallow bow, I traipsed out of the chamber with Azul thundering on my tail, ensuring I kept the happy act until we’d wandered past the Guards. The instant the coast was clear, my smile vanished. I was done dealing with those assholes.

Exceptional job of covering up your disdain, sweetheart. Excellent touch with the Guard as well, I thought the poor guy might piss himself. The Dragon chuckled and I smiled sideways at him.

"Yeah, I can lie with the best of them. With any luck, they’ll continue to buy this line of bullshit. We have places to be, sevgilim." Azul’s smile faltered and he paused, snorting as Sargon rushed through the building’s doors. The Djinn raced toward us, slowing himself just before impact.

This was the last place I expected to see him. Quite a stretch had passed since I’d seen his true form. I’d forgotten what a handsome Djinn he was with his pitch black skin adorned in gold swirling tattoos and thick golden rings that hung from his pointed ears. His bluish-silver locks fell around his face, accenting his pale blue eyes and creating an exotic contrast against his skin. He was shirtless with a white vest and billowing pants of the same color. He towered over me by at least a foot. The royal seal of the Deep Desert emblazoned on his chest created a beautiful polarity of stark silver on onyx, marking his service to the crown.

In the middle of Portlandia City, he stood out like a sober guy in a crack house. I shot him a questioning glare. He shouldn’t have come here. Portlandia wasn’t a Djinn friendly colony and he put us all at risk. He quickly knelt and rose, I rolled my eyes. I hated pomp.

Princess, the Ambassador is well cared for and he’s none the wiser. His deep voice was hushed to avoid informing anyone lurking in the seemingly empty hall. I smirked, relieved. I wondered how long my lucky streak would last.

"It’s wonderful to finally get news that doesn’t fucking blow. Everything went spectacularly with the baboon squad. If you need us, we’ll be in Belt ta `Demm. I need a quick word with Azazel. You look like you could use a break, Sar. Take one." I smiled and patted him on the arm. He gave me a white toothy grin.

As you wish, Princess. Sargon sounded thrilled. The poor Djinn had been running nonstop for the past few of days. He’d return to the mortal world as Dalvin Jones and unwind until his next assignment. Of course, if Zipporah caught him, he was screwed. She’d been working her husband ragged with wedding errands.

One hastily offered genuflection later, he zipped out of the building before I could change my mind. I chuckled as Sargon fled Aliis like an escaped convict. He’d die before missing some well-earned R&R. I turned to Azul with a cockeyed grin plastered to my lips.

"Are you ready to visit the King, aşkım?" As if I had to ask. Azul’s chuckle echoed off the walls of the cavernous lobby. If we didn’t have the building’s attention previously, we certainly did now.

I’m never prepared to see that Demon, but I don’t have a choice, do I?

I leaned over and kissed his enormous scaled nose before dematerializing to my legitimate home. When I opened them again, we stood in front of the Palace ta `Demm. I inhaled the wonderful, clean desert air. I couldn’t wait to stay here permanently. I missed my homeland. I nodded at the woman standing as sentinel, who appeared to be the same woman from my last visit. She gave a curt nod as we passed, but I didn’t acknowledge her.

I was here on official business, and right now pleasantries were reserved for social visits. That promised to change once I returned for good. These were my people. It would be my job to ensure the residents of the Deep Desert were well taken care of at every moment. I’d be a Queen the citizens loved, at least, that was the goal. Azazel had set a fine example for me in my youth, and I planned to follow suit.

The sizable blue Dragon shadowed me into the palace walls, scanning the area for mysterious foes. I'd never be in danger within the grounds thanks to the insane number of unseen Assassin sentries hanging around. Azul didn’t leave things to chance, and even though I was safe in the royal home, he refused to let his guard down. He truly had my best interests at heart, no matter what happened or where we found ourselves.

The large wooden doors opened, granting us access to the main chamber. As we passed through the entrance to the throne room, I spotted my father standing in the heart of the empty tomb speaking to Relboron Mujardin. The elderly man glanced in my direction, stooped as much as his ancient body allowed and exited the area. Azazel was up to something and it became obvious the Viceroy had no intention of being around when I found out. His disappearing Djinn act didn’t bode well. The Demon King turned to us as we approached and beamed, holding out his arms in greeting.

Daughter mine, I’ve been looking forward to a visit from you. To what do I owe this pleasure? I grinned at him before he encased me in his long black and crimson robes he typically wore in the throne room.

"Papé, I would’ve been here sooner, but I got held up being kidnapped by Daemon, harassed by the Council and stalked by an ex-husband." He released me, glaring at Azul as he stepped back. I rolled my eyes, we’d only been in the palace for a couple minutes and the Demon was already trying to start a fight with the Dragon.

You were supposed to be protecting her, Dragon Lord. Azazel spat out, his eyes flared red and the handsome features of his face became cruel.

"I was guarding her, Demon King. Perhaps, if I’d been allowed more resources, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but I’m bound by a mortal body, same as her. I didn’t see you coming to her rescue." Azul retaliated sharply. I slapped a hand over my father’s mouth before he had time to retort. This wasn’t going to get us anywhere. He looked down at me and the red glow in his eyes dimmed slightly.

"Please, Papé. What’s done is done. We have more important things to discuss. I won’t tolerate the endless bickering between you two for the rest of eternity." I couldn’t stop the fighting forever, but I’d settle for temporary silence. Azazel smiled, pointed teeth flashing. He tossed an arm over my shoulders and led me to the back of the chamber. Azul followed close behind.

You’re right, daughter mine. I shouldn’t accuse your Dragon so hastily. You have no idea how enraged I became when I was informed that those winged bastards had stolen you. The thought of their hand on my favorite daughter forced me into a bit of a fit. Poor Relboron seemed like he might have a heart-attack. We haven’t finished cleaning up the mess, so mind your step. He laughed as he walked us into his private quarters down the corridor behind the curtain at the back of the throne room.

Remnants of his so called fit laid scattered about the room. A chair had been reduced to splinters in the corner near the fireplace. An apparently torched coffee table lay amongst crushed pieces of glass that littered the floor below a hole in the wall. This had been one hell of a sudden outburst. The office was in serious disrepair.

"A ‘bit of a fit’ seems to be an understatement. There's new furniture everywhere, and the mess hasn’t been completely cleaned up, Papé, I’d hate to have seen the untouched aftermath. I frowned as I surveyed the area. You ruined my favorite chair." Tantrum or not, he had no right to attack my furniture.

I’m sorry, Azriella. You know how a Demon’s temper can get. I grabbed the wrong chair. I meant to heave mine at the hearth. Instead, I hurled yours and hit the large sconce. I honestly thought it was my chair and realized my mistake immediately afterward. The damn thing was uncomfortable, so I replaced the son of a bitch. I’m saving the wretched monstrosity for the next time I need to toss furnishings around. He frowned, glancing at the fragmented heap.

So i decided, if we’re going to outfit the den with the new, we’d better do the whole room. I truly regret the mishap with your chair, it was your mother’s favorite too. The only reason he left the old claw foot in the office was because of my mother. She’d sat in it while she was pregnant with me, and continued to on the rare occasions she visited.

It’s okay. I suppose it was just a chair. I muttered, still scowling. Neither of us felt that way, but there was no bringing the doomed thing back. The pleasant memories created while sitting in it were lost. Azazel motioned us to the room's new accommodations and I sat, testing it out. Azul chose to stand in the corner. While in Dragon form sitting properly wasn’t an option unless he wanted to finish off another piece of furniture. The replacement chair hasn’t been broken in and is terribly uncomfortable. We’d work on that later. I’d be sitting in this room a lot more.

I’m looking forward to the end of your assignment, Azriella. I want you to come home. The Demon said happily. I smiled at him, still distracted by the furniture situation.

I’m coming back sooner than I originally expected, a few weeks after the honeymoon. I tried to relax in the chair and quickly returned to sitting straight up. The abomination was unbearable. Who designed this piece of shit?

Oh? Azazel raised an elegant eyebrow. My father could change his appearance at will, but chose to allow the Djinn’s slow progression of age to show. He’d become increasingly handsome over time. The illusion of aging helped him forget he’d be around for eternity, unlike the majority of his friends and family. Only those of divine or eternal blood lived forever, Djinn did not, and their half-breed children were a mystery.

"After the careful consideration of several recent events, I’ve decided it's time that the Council and I part ways. I’m going to bring down the Veil. Not only am I at the mercy of the Moirai, but I also pass up the opportunity to stand on the losing side of this calamity. Things have already been set in motion. This is your heads up, I'd hate to disrupt any of your already existing plans." I finished as the Demon King reclined in his chair, it must’ve been more comfortable than mine. He crossed his long legs and ran his fingers through his dark hair.

"I’m thrilled you’ll be returning soon, but I'd caution you not to be too hasty in implementing your campaign. Things that can’t be seen are in constant flux right now, there are details you’re not privy to, daughter mine. I’m unable to list specifics presently, but the near future might not be the best time to end the mortal world." He was giving me way more credit than I deserved. Destroying things as complex as linked dimensions was a colossal undertaking.

"I can’t bring the damn thing down in a day, Papé. Complicated tasks tend to take a while. Even if I wanted to cause that much chaos, I know better. I wouldn’t be doing myself any favors creating a large scale disaster overnight. I hope at some stage you’ll clue me in on what’s going on, but I won’t badger you about it now. My plate is full and I’m having a hard enough time getting anything done." He nodded, folding his hands in his lap.

"I understand, things are happening rapidly. Life should settle down after the wedding. Then we’ll be able to discuss a strategy that works to everyone’s benefit, but as for now, don’t trouble yourself. You should be preparing for the important day with your new husband." I had no idea what he thought I’d do to prepare.

Aldaren had agreed to marry me and I’d played my part. Someone else, a person far more capable, was taking care of the details. This marriage wasn’t my first, and participating in arrangements regarding the ceremony wasn’t my cup of tea, not to mention disastrous.

"Hayır. There’s nothing for me to do, Papé. Zipporah is tending to everything as usual, and I don’t want to screw up her franticly fanatical groove. I’d be in the way." He shook his head sadly at my explanation. Apparently, I’d missed something.

"Who's handling the security, daughter mine? Zipporah’s too busy, she’s already informed me that she needs help. She went so far as to give me a list. Wedding planning is not in my realm of expertise, Azriella. Safety measures I can manage, but not seating arrangements." I chuckled, understanding his distress. The thought of Azazel working on wedding plans struck me as ridiculous and I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh.

I can’t help you, as much as I’d like to. She had me assist her with seating once, and it was a nightmare. I repeatedly put people who’d likely kill one another next to each other. You’d be better off giving the task to Relboron's assistants. I’m sure they can come up with a reasonable plan in a short amount of time. Azazel was smoking something asking me to deal with this assignment. He was begging for one hell of an epic fail. Azazel shook his head with frustration.

Relboron and his staff are busy with other matters right now. I’ll need to find someone else who understands the politics of this wedding. I’ll end up making the same mistakes you did and probably on purpose to rid myself of certain people. Perhaps sitting your mother next to a Noire would solve a great many problems. He said with a devious smile. I hoped he’d accidentally place her next to Nicolette.

Cassandra Carnadine hated the Noire family. No one knew if there was a specific reason, or it was simply because she could. Either way, it wouldn’t have mattered to me. The clan was a notorious group of backstabbing, cheating, lying manipulators who always stayed one step ahead with their plotting. Oh, the joys of relatives. Unfortunately, my half-sister Nicolette seemed to have more of her mother’s genes than our father’s.

"Stick her in between Nicki and Katrina. I’d pay to see that brawl. I hope this plan of yours works, Papé. I’ll kill her before I’d lose anything to her wretched ass." I spit out before I could stop myself, but my father chuckled. The hatred stemmed from our childhood, I’d been born first, and she was the last. I always had what she wanted and she tried her damnedest to ensure my life stayed miserable because she couldn’t get her way.

"Of course this scheme will work. Give me some credit, Azriella. Nicolette has no idea Seraphine’s been ratting her out every time she opens her mouth, or that we’re aware she plans to steal the throne. My biggest concern is you. Don’t give us away with your temper, daughter mine. If anything, that girl knows how to work you." He was absolutely right, and I knew he’d be furious if I endangered Sera because of my inability to stop Nicki from pushing my buttons.

"She’ll be kept far from you during the wedding, and we’ll also be keeping her a healthy distance from your husbands. Speaking of significant others, we need to talk about Duke Styx." He said with a scowl. I groaned and leaned back in the chair, maybe if I remained uncomfortable, then this conversation would become bearable. My father refused to call Zev by his rightful title, Prince, after his banishment. It drove me demented.

"Neden? I’m dealing with Zev. I’m sorry he’s been bothering you." I sighed. I didn’t want to discuss this, not with my father. Azazel raised an eyebrow and moved forward in his chair.

"Daughter mine, please tell me that you possess a bit more sense. You can’t honestly be considering taking him back? Not after the things he’s put you through. I’m sure Azul and Dexter can’t be happy with this decision." My father glanced at the Dragon. Azul snorted in the corner and I turned to glare at him. His opinion in this discussion was not needed or welcome.

"It’s my choice, Papé. I’ve spoken to my husband and my fiancé, and they’re backing me in whatever I decide. I haven’t made up my mind yet, so no one is counting on anything right now and you shouldn’t be either. Regardless of slights committed in the past, he’s still the Premier Prince, a fact that needs to be considered. I created this problem for myself when I wouldn’t let you execute him, and I still don’t believe that you gave him a fair trial. Now, I’m forced to live with the outcome and I will deal with it accordingly." I replied, watching Azazel stand and walk to the fireplace.

"I don’t like this at all, Azriella. I still regret giving in to you. I gave him the trial he deserved. I should’ve beheaded him despite your pleas. Zev’s death would’ve saved us from this melodrama. There is something to be said about ending a mess quickly. Nevertheless, daughter mine, keep that Djinn away from me the best you can. I’m not married to you and not required to cater to your every whim." His warning was laced with acid. I didn’t plan on testing the waters of his temperament.

"I understand, Papé. We should be taking our leave. We have one more stop to make before going home for the night. I’m sure to see you sooner than the wedding. Good luck with the seating chart." My father walked toward me as I stood and he wrapped his arms around me again.

"I hope everything goes according to plan. I’ve longed for your return to Belt ta `Demm for too long. We have a great deal of catching up to do." He whispered into my ear. I laid my head against his chest. I regretted not seeing the King more often. I pulled away and grinned.

I’m sure we’ll find time together, don’t worry. I miss you terribly as well. I said softly. Parting between us hadn’t always been on pleasant terms. I wanted that to change. He returned a sad smile, and I turned to follow Azul out of the palace.

I saw poor Relboron scrambling toward my father’s chamber with an Elfish messenger wearing the vibrant colors of the Forbidden Lands. I raised an eyebrow. The business never stopped around here. I couldn’t help but notice the young woman nodded nervously as we passed, following Relboron’s lead. She was definitely shocked by the Dragon taking up most of the corridor and the Demon-Djinn Princess who wasn’t supposed to be in Belt ta `Demm or Allis. Poor girl.

Azazel was right to question your judgment regarding Zev. I hope you’ll consider his opinion before you make your final decision. Don’t misunderstand me, I’ll always stand behind you. It's just the thought of you making another colossal mistake with him is unbearable. We’re all forced to live with your choices. The recent lapse in your ability to make well thought-out decisions has made things trying enough.

I scowled and stopped walking. It took him a couple of steps to realize I’d paused before he turned his mammoth head back to face me. He was too monstrous to turn all the way around in the corridor. There were some things I’d never told anyone, even my husband, and my feelings about Zev’s potential execution were one of those things. Some details of my life were best left to myself.

"Don’t start with me, Azul. I am completely aware of what could happen. I gave you the chance to voice your opinion, and you did. I don’t want to hear anymore from you, and if for some stupid reason I change my mind, I’ll let you know. Don’t hold your breath." I snarked viciously and he turned away from me and started lumbering forward again.

I refused to speak to him about my first husband. I needed to focus on our last stop, and discussing Zev made me irritable. I continued, following his big blue ass right out the door and out of the courtyard. We vanished just as we’d hit the gate and reappeared in Cidade das Rosas in the Desert Colony.

We stood outside of Marquis Dante Nicolai’s residence, monitoring the occupants inside. We had to enter the stunning home in a dream state to avoid detection. It wasn’t difficult, only taking a couple of seconds to alter our energy patterns. It was one of the few benefits of being required to drift through the astral on a regular basis.

In truth, we were already lurking around in places we shouldn’t have been, and sneaking into Dante’s subconscious seemed trivial, although unethical. The idiot never kept his dreams guarded. If we wanted to cause problems, no one would stop us. They’d yield immediately. However, my objective was to remain unseen. This was no one's concern.

We wandered into Dante’s dream, taking control of every fiber of his subconscious. The setting had to remain intact. The emotional upheaval we would undoubtedly cause needed to stay moderate, which proved far more difficult than getting into the fuck’s twisted mind. We wouldn’t want to give the poor Djinn a heart attack. Aural would blame me if her lover went into cardiac arrest in his sleep. I didn’t need her unhappiness on my conscience.

Their house was beautifully decorated with lush furnishings and expensive knickknacks. Dante provided Aural with a cushy life, but it hadn’t been what she wanted from him. She was tougher than the plush objects he surrounded her with, she was raised differently. She didn’t care about material things. She never had.

As we approached his bedroom, I was grateful he’d requested the builders to install large double doors, Azul barely fit. Dream or not, Azul would’ve caused serious property damage, and coming in as part of Dante’s subconscious would have been pointless if we’d left evidence of that magnitude.

My granddaughter would be furious with me. Her temperament mimicked my own, rather than taking after her mild mannered parents. Aural’s wrath wouldn't be a welcome experience tonight. My plate was full, and adding Aural drama as a side dish didn’t seem like the wisest idea. It was bad enough I frequently met Dante in secret.

I pushed the doors open to find Dante sitting up in his bed the instant we entered the room. His awareness was heightened, even when compared to other Djinn. I moved forward, ensuring I had his undivided attention. As usual he looked nervous, eyes darting between Azul and I. The man had good reason to be scared shitless. Azul hated him. I wasn’t fond of him either. If he hadn’t served a purpose, I would’ve gotten rid of his ass a long time ago.

I sat on the edge of the bed and ran my hand over the silky bedspread, stretching my fingers to appreciate the lush fabric. I loved the surreal feelings that came with a dream state. He glanced at Aural, who was still resting peacefully. While she slumbered, the Duchess was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen. My granddaughter was stunning when awake, but the calm that came with sleep was priceless. Everything would have been different if she’d realized her bedroom had been invaded.

Dante made a move to get out of bed and I held my hand out to stop him, not able to cope with the royal pomp tonight. We’d moved past this ages ago. Instead, he looked at my long, jeweled fingers and bowed his head. When I controlled his dreams he avoided touching me . He’d once told me that I felt dead, but I’d never been able to find out if it was true, or if he was just that intimidated by me.

Dante, ditch the formalities, I shouldn’t even be here. The Council is monitoring my every move. I need to speak to you about some things that have given me a bit of concern. It didn’t seem appropriate to send an emissary when it involves such a personal matter. I glanced over at Azul and smiled, he returned the look with indifference. He refused to show any favorable emotion in front of someone so power hungry. Azul’s love for me could be used against him later and that wasn’t a chance he was willing to take.

Az, this isn’t the time or the place to be showing affection. You are well aware of how I feel about PDA’s in front of bastards like him. As much as I want to, I’m not giving in to you. You already know I love you.

I fought back a chuckle, I got a real kick out of tormenting him when there was nothing he could do to retaliate. Dante sighed. Apparently, the Marquis didn’t find my antics amusing either.

What can I do for the two of you tonight? He obviously wanted me to speak my piece and get the fuck out of his bedroom, not entertain my tomfoolery. I slowly moved my eyes back to him, putting on the act of being peeved that he’d ruined the moment between my husband and me, and immediately he regretted his decision. I loved fucking with Dante.

I’m ecstatic your daughter survived the ordeal with Hel. I’ve come here to advise you to establish a good relationship with her, and to do it quickly. We’re on schedule for a considerable disaster, Dante, and this train is on a crash course. She’s the epicenter of this cataclysm. There isn’t anything you can do to stop it, so don’t waste the time or effort. I paused for a moment. I had to choose my next words carefully.

Azriella, are you sure it’s wise to include Dante in this plan? He’s bound to fuck it up. Azul’s voice boomed in my head. My eyes shifted to Azul’s quickly and I frowned.

I don’t have many choices here, Azul. He has a better chance of fucking this up if he doesn’t know what’s going on. I can’t trust him, I get that. If he screws this up, it will be to my advantage, so I’m not especially concerned. Dante couldn’t be allowed to destroy everything for me because of ignorance. So many of my plans hinged on his daughter.

Many things will change in the future. Your daughter seems to be a pivotal person in the evolution of events. The Council’s looking into her sudden reappearance on the grid, they’ve questioned me. Lets just say the ‘all-knowing’ Azriella didn’t know a damn thing. However, now you’re aware of the situation. I can only help you keep Jaylynne out of their crosshairs for so long before I’m implicated. They’re already convinced of my involvement. I pointed the finger at you. I cannot allow them to monitor me to closely, I’m sure you understand. Dante nodded, and I prayed he truly did.

"The worlds will collide soon. You’ll need to be certain she’s back to her old tricks and properly trained in her new abilities. Don’t think I didn’t know about the gifts death bestowed on her. She needs to be ready for anything, sound in body and mind. I’ll require her at my side when the shit hits the fan, and you need me now. It would be in your best interest to guarantee she ends up in a position of power. I understand she’s engaged to young Prince Halversen. That is an excellent union." I tossed my hair over my shoulder and waited for his response.

"Princess, I appreciate the advanced warning. I’m not sure what any of this has to do