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“I do have my reasons for not telling her, yes. But beyond that, I don’t think she’d handle the reality well. Her parents had a greater understanding of the immortal world, but she was raised to fear and loathe demons—for her own protection. Not to mention…we’ve given all humans ample cause to be alarmed by our existence; our presence so close to their borders.”
His general regarded him thoughtfully, then said, “Jade neither fears nor loathes you.” He inclined his head to the side and amended, “Well, there might be some fear there. She’s smart enough to know her mortality is threatened by our kind. But she certainly doesn’t loathe you.”
“She should.” Davian stood. “The fact that she doesn’t creates another problem.”
He crossed to the wall lined with built-in shelves and cabinets, a counter running the length at waist height. He opened one of the intricate glass-and-wood-framed doors and retrieved a box from the back of the shelf. Returning to his chair, he set the well-crafted case on the desk and lifted the lid.
Morgan was out of his seat in a heartbeat, leaning toward the stunning necklace that lay against silver satin folds. “The Star of Nathea? It exists.”
“Yes.” Strung on a wide, black satin ribbon was a large white and black diamond-encrusted star-shaped pendant. The faceted center was slightly raised and created a stunning spectrum of colors under the candlelight.
Lifting the necklace, Davian said, “It was forged by the Demon Princess Nathea of Athens, who lost her mortal lover in battle. She was heartbroken and wanted to ease the harrowing torture of others who might share her same fate if they fell in love with a human.”
Not a common occurrence, he’d learned. But not an unfathomable one, either.
He added, “This jewel has been in my family since the early 700s, following my ancestors’ gift of immortality. It passes through a specific branch of my family tree from generation to generation. It’s very secretive—no one was alerted as to whom it was last given.”
Morgan eyed him curiously. “And you intend to bestow it upon Jade.”
“Though not for the purpose of making her immortal.”
“Why on earth not?”
Davian sat back in his chair. “It’s complicated. But there are certain undisputable facts I can’t ignore. First, while my kingdom would have no choice but to accept her if I granted her immortality, the castle isn’t really where she belongs.”
Morgan nodded. “She is fiercely devoted to the village and its people. She would willingly defy you in order to keep her friends and neighbors from harm.”
“Yes, she’s already proven that. Nor does she want to leave her family’s cottage. Another glaring point made when she refused to move after her parents died.”
Davian returned the necklace to its nesting place and then drummed his fingers on the desktop. “Next is the fact that she’s been carrying around tormenting memories for fifteen years. I highly doubt she’d want to spend an eternity with them. Her memory would sharpen with her more heightened senses, not fade. Her internal turmoil might even increase because of it.”
His friend was silent for a moment, processing. Then Morgan asked, “So why give her the necklace? If you have no intention of invoking the gift, what would be the purpose, other than to establish that she belon—Oh.” Shooting to his feet, Morgan began to pace. “Your desire to mark your territory could come with severe consequences, my Lord.”
“I understand that.”
A grave expression crossed the general’s face. “It’s not worth it, Davian. It might even be hazardous for her.”
“Or helpful. No demon would lay a hand on her.”
“From your alliance. But those who haven’t pledged their allegiance to you and your laws…?”
He sighed. Of course he’d considered this.
“What if it emasculates your authority?” Morgan further challenged. “Claiming a human lover could very easily give the illusion your sympathies have shifted away from your own species.”
“That’s never been the case in the past, with Nathea or my ancestors.”
“These are much different times than in the past, Davian.”
With a scowl, he said, “I’m well aware of that.”
“And she typically has a say when something goes awry in the village. That could become a reflection upon you.”
“She doesn’t serve Ryleigh in an official capacity. She has influence within the community, yes. But essentially, she’s just a villager. It’s not as though we’re going to clash on military matters. That’s what you and the slayers do.”
“You should think twice about this.” Morgan raised his hands as though to indicate that was all he’d say on the matter.
Davian nodded. “I’ll take your words—and your concerns—under advisement.”
