by S. L. Morgan
Servants greeted them at the front doors, and behind them was a magnificent foyer. The estate paled in comparison to Pasidian Palace, but the décor was equally as splendid. The same Queen Anne-style furniture was placed throughout the foyer, giving an air of elegance. Reece covered a yawn as Levi led her to the alabaster staircase that curved up along the wall, leading to the second floor. A long day of traveling, coupled with her emotional upset from earlier, had left her quite exhausted by the time they arrived at Stavesworth Hall.
“Once you have freshened up, I will arrange to have your dinner sent up to your room,” Levi said in a humorous tone.
“Do I really seem that…” she paused for another yawn that escaped her. Reece shook her head. “Forget it; I don’t think I have enough strength for Jasmeen to dress me up for dinner tonight.” She looked up at him. “Would you care to join me?” she asked.
Levi brought his arm around her. “It would be my pleasure.”
They turned down a long corridor and stopped in front of a richly carved entryway. Levi leaned over and opened her door, guiding her in. “This will be your room; I hope you find it agreeable.”
Reece walked in, and serenity and comfort immediately engulfed her. The fragrance of lavender and vanilla filled the room. A beige silk fabric covered the walls, and was accented with alabaster carved trim and capped with an elaborately carved alabaster ceiling. Large French-style doors at the front of the room were separated by a white ornamental framed fireplace with a healthy fire glowing within it. Sheer white curtains danced in the breeze, blowing in and out of the front of her room.
“This is perfect,” Reece said, feeling rejuvenated by every passing second standing in the room.
Levi brushed his lips over her cheek. “I will send for Jasmeen, and return within the hour when you are ready for dinner.”
With that, he turned and left the room. Her bedchamber was located through the door to Reece’s right. The mahogany four-poster bed sat in between two matching end tables holding dimmed porcelain lamps. The fluffy cream comforter and numerous pillows were so inviting, Reece had to resist the urge to climb onto the bed and sprawl out. Instead, she closed the door and finished locating the various chambers within her room. A bath was already drawn, and Jasmeen was laying out all of the supplies to prepare Reece for the evening.
After a rejuvenating bath, Reece dismissed Jasmeen for the evening, letting her know that she and Levi would be having their dinner on the terrace outside of her room. Before leaving, Jasmeen located a simple cotton gown for Reece to lounge in. Reece had finished tying the sash on her robe when Levi had returned to her room. The staff, carrying tablecloths and trays filled with silver-covered dishes and a tea set, walked purposefully out onto the terrace and began setting up an intimate dining atmosphere for the couple.
Levi’s eyes roamed over Reece’s lounging clothes, and his smile halted her breath for a moment. He said nothing, waiting for the staff to finish setting up their dining area. After the staff left the room, Levi brought Reece into a tight embrace.
“This may have been an unwise idea,” he said in a low voice. “You are positively stunning this evening.”
Reece smirked and stepped back. “You are biased. Believe me; the last thing I am right now is stunning. No makeup, no detailed hairstyle, no bells and whistles…just plain ol’ Reece,” she teased.
“Plain is not the proper term, my love.” He swept her hair over her shoulder and drew his face in closer to her neck. “Natural beauty would best describe your utterly desirable appearance.” He said as he placed a soft kiss against her skin.
Reece shuddered at the sensation of his warm breath against her neck, unable think straight.
Levi inhaled deeply. “I never would have believed that the aromas of vanilla and lavender could intoxicate one’s mind in such a way,” he said with a laugh.
Reece slowly opened her eyes to find him staring at her in amusement. She smiled at him lazily, recovering her senses. “I must keep that in mind in case Jasmeen decides to switch up my bathing products for some reason.”
Levi grinned, took her hand and led her out onto the terrace. He walked over to their private, candlelit table and pulled out her chair. “Your chair, madam?” he offered politely.
The rest of the evening passed delightfully. Their private dinner was romantic and altogether enchanting. Reece’s room overlooked the back side of the estate, giving her an excellent view of the ocean that was beyond the private gardens beneath the balcony. Glimmering insects darted throughout the tall trees and the star-filled, iridescent sky. The ocean reflected the majesty of the white, glistening moon high above it. The glassy waters sparkled in an array of silver, blue, and magenta colors, all of which formed swirling patterns beneath the seawater’s surface.
When Reece expressed her desire to spend the remainder of their evening wrapped in his arms and to stare out at the glistening ocean, Levi happily accommodated her wish. He carried a chaise from her room and situated it out on the balcony to offer the best view. Reece lazily and contentedly reclined into Levi’s embrace, asking him various questions about their home here.
His low, smooth voice was starting to have an effect on her emotions, and she twisted in his arms to secure a passionate kiss, cutting him off mid-sentence. Levi didn’t seem to mind, as he softly laughed against her hungry kiss before his strong hands grasped along her waist and up her back. Everything was perfect, and this moment was making Levi irresistible to her wild emotions. She slowly withdrew and whispered in between placing kisses along his jaw, “I love you.”
Levi’s breathing had picked up, but before he could respond, a loud knock hammered against Reece’s door. Reece glanced at Levi, somewhat startled by the interruption, only to find him biting his bottom lip as he closed his eyes. He exhaled frustration before opening his eyes and looking at Reece. “I can only imagine who that would be,” he said, as Reece sat up.
Levi stood up. “Give me a moment,” he said as he tugged on his waistcoat, straightening it.
Reece leaned back, her mind still dizzy from her emotions taking a rapid turn on her.
“An evening on the balcony sounds marvelous!” Reece heard Harrison proclaim loudly.
Reece stifled a laugh, as she heard the shuffling sounds of feet walking toward the terrace. Harrison stepped out and glanced at Reece with a knowing grin before turning to walk to the edge of her balcony. He placed both his hands on the rail. “Reece’s room certainly captures the best view of the Sandarin Sea. Would you not agree, Lizzy?”
At that moment, Elizabeth and Levi walked onto the balcony. Elizabeth wore an apologetic expression, while Levi seemed utterly annoyed by the blatant intrusion. “Good evening, Reece,” she said, smiling.
Harrison spun around and propped his elbows up on the banister behind him. He crossed one leg over the other, and stared down at Reece in reproach. “Is there any particular reason you and Levi over there have chosen to avoid sweet Lizzy and me tonight?”
“Harrison, calm down,” Levi interjected while bringing out two plush chairs for Elizabeth and Harrison to join them.
Reece shrugged. “Sorry; the view from the room must have gotten the best of my manners.”
“I’ll say.” Harrison nodded toward Levi. “You both should know that I intend to keep all rumors at rest while we are here for the week.” He teased.
Levi sat next to Reece and put his arm around her. “I’m fairly confident that you will be the one who, as usual, is the topic of discussion throughout the week’s festivities.”
“Those days are over, my friend,” Harrison said smugly. “I’m certain the uproar at these particular festivities shall be caused by the fact that you are engaged to be married.”
“Regardless of what is said,” Elizabeth interjected, “I’m thrilled that Reece will be meeting some of our closest friends, and I’m confident they will all adore her,” she finished with a reassuring smile.
“Confident or not, sweet one, this shal
l be Reece and Levi’s first experience amongst royals as a couple.”
Reece stared at Harrison with confusion. “Is it really going to be that bad?” she asked, feeling a little intimidated.
“Harrison is simply searching for conversation now that he’s realized he’s ruined our time alone.”
“Mark my words; these young women will sing praises to your face, and as soon as your back has turned, their words will turn into venom.”
“Harrison!” Levi interjected. “Are you aiming to make Reece uncomfortable at her first ball?”
“I’m fine,” Reece retorted. She lifted her chin. “I think if I can handle Simone single-handedly trying to get me killed, then I can handle a group of gossiping women.”
Elizabeth giggled as Harrison grinned and ran a hand through his dark blonde hair. “And now that you are prepared, let the festivities begin!” he said with a laugh.
The next evening, Reece was dressed impeccably for the Hamilton’s ball. She, Levi, Harrison, and Elizabeth spent most of the day exploring the shorelines and caves that surrounded the Oxley’s ocean-front estate. The day passed quickly, and Reece didn’t want to admit it, but she was nervous about the Hamilton’s ball.
One last glance in the mirror should have given her enough confidence to formally step out as Levi’s future wife, but she struggled to remove the nervous emotions. Her emerald-green gown was exquisite in every way. Tiny white diamonds sparkled throughout the velvet material. It was the first gown Reece had worn that required four full underskirts, and it was somewhat uncomfortable. How am I supposed to get around in this dress? she thought nervously. She lowered her eyes, pressed down on the voluminous skirt and tried to imagine how she would fit in the carriage.
“You, my love, are unquestionably enchanting,” Levi announced, as he entered Reece’s dressing room.
Reece spun around. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise!” she said with a laugh.
“Jasmeen informed me that you were dressed and waiting for her to retrieve your jewelry for the evening.”
Levi was perfectly polished, wearing all black aside from his green velvet waistcoat and silk cravat. He stepped toward her and slowly spun her around to face the tall mirror before her. “Something’s missing.”
Reece watched him speculatively. “I have to argue with you on that.” She fanned her hands over her gown. “You see, this dress has four skirts, and—”
She nearly choked on her words when Levi held an open rectangular box in front of her. A large emerald stone glistened underneath the bright lights of her dressing room. It hung on a diamond string, and a slender emerald bracelet lay neatly in the middle. On the top side, two golden hoops with emerald drops dangled from the velvet material they were attached to. She reached out and brushed her fingers over the surface of the brilliant, polished stone. “Oh my goodness,” she whispered. “These are extraordinary.”
Levi pulled the necklace from the box and clasped it around her neck. “Just another heirloom that your beauty surpasses, of course.”
Reece let out a breath, clearly overwhelmed. “It’s absolutely stunning.” She turned to embrace him, yet he caught her hand, stopping her.
He glanced at the white satin gloves that she held. “These gloves are the only problem I have with your wardrobe this evening—,” he started to say, as he removed the gloves from her hand and brought his lips to the inside of her wrist. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply while pressing his lips tenderly against her skin. “This fragrance…” he said, “is it new?” His eyes reopened.
Reece managed to steady her emotions in response to the effect Levi was currently having on her. His jewel-like blue eyes were not helping as they bore into hers. “I was playing around with some of the perfumes Jasmeen made available, and I liked the smell of this one.” She brought her wrist to her nose and inhaled. “It smells like a mixture of jasmine, and some kind of sweet fruit. I was hoping the oils weren’t too strong, though.”
“Quite the opposite; this fragrance is extremely pleasant, and now I am struggling with foregoing this evening’s extravaganza and instead take you in my arms at this very moment.”
Reece laughed and playfully tugged at his elaborately tied cravat. “Sounds quite enticing, Levi.” She inhaled dramatically. “But I’m pretty sure if we skip out Harrison will more than likely come barging into the room and ruin everything.”
Levi shrugged. “That is true.”
“Now, if it helps,” Reece started pulling on her elbow-length gloves, “I will keep these on.”
He smiled, and clasped the emerald bracelet around her wrist. One more kiss to her gloved hand, and he drew her arm up into his. “Shall we go introduce the royals to their future empress?”
The emperor’s convoy arrived at the Hamilton’s large estate about thirty minutes after departing Stavesworth Hall. As the carriages crept up to the entrance of the estate, Levi placed a reassuring hand over Reece’s. He could sense her trepidation as the large number of people before them ascended the stairs into the manor.
Levi leaned into her. “I’m confident that you will steal all of their hearts with your energetic personality, as you did mine.”
Reece laughed nervously as she stared out of the window. “I’m not used to being in the spotlight like this.” She exhaled. “Cross your fingers that I don’t embarrass your entire family by foregoing some important Pemdai custom.”
“Lucky for you, you’re with the emperor and his family; and since we make all of the customs around here, we’ll make sure you get away with it.” He winked.
“Even if I use the wrong fork at dinner?”
“I wouldn’t care if you licked your fingers.” He smiled wryly.
“In that case, I’ll be sure to take my gloves off before I eat.”
Levi and Reece laughed in unison as the carriages halted. Levi put his top hat on, adjusted it, and gave Reece a confident smile. Her eyes glistened as she studied him. “You look extremely handsome in that hat.”
“Enjoy it while you have the opportunity.” Levi said dryly.
Their conversation was interrupted when the carriage door was opened by a servant. Levi stepped out and dismissed the man in order to assist Reece personally. Upon descending from the carriage, he drew her arm into his. He glanced down, and the pride he felt having her at his side was indescribable.
Together they followed Navarre, Allestaine, and Elizabeth into the Hamilton’s home. Once in the grand foyer, the emperor and his family were greeted by King and Queen Hamilton, the hosts of the evening. King Hamilton, with his usual wit, managed to engage them all in a short, humorous conversation before the group was escorted into the large reception area. After numerous formal introductions to many different kings and their queens, Allestaine brought Reece and Elizabeth off alone and began introducing Reece to some of her closest friends.
Levi and Harrison stood in conversation with their fathers while the guests awaited the announcement for dinner. From where he stood, Levi had an excellent view of the entire room. His eyes focused intently on Reece, watching in humor the numerous expressions that crossed her face. His heart swelled with love for her as he watched her animated personality radiate from across the room. The different women that she was being introduced to seemed impressed by her, and Levi understood why. There was something extremely unique about Reece’s outgoing personality; she could make any stranger feel comfortable in her presence. Her kind heart, high-spirited nature, and friendly personality drew people to her; not only on Earth, but also here in this room of royals. For the first time in his life, he found himself enjoying one of these ostentatious celebrations.
“I’ll say,” King Hamilton said as he came up from behind Levi and clapped him on his shoulder, “I do not believe I have ever witnessed Levi appear so…” His eyebrows knit together as he studied Levi’s face in humor, “so bright-eyed at a ball before.” He finished with a teasing grin.
“That, my lord, is because Miss Bryant has never been in at
tendance,” Harrison said with a laugh.
Levi pursed his lips in humor. “True.”
King Hamilton grinned and addressed Harrison. “Surely the next surprise to be heard throughout all of Pemdas shall be when you settle down with a lovely lady of your own.”
Harrison rolled his eyes as King Nathaniel, and Navarre laughed in unison. “The odds of you capturing a three-headed dragon are better than you seeing Harry settle down.” Nathaniel teased.
“Not the analogy I would use, father, but I believe your point is well-taken.”
Levi remained quiet and watched Reece discretely while the men continued to tease Harrison about his prejudices towards relationships. Dinner was announced, and the multitude of guests began filtering into the dining hall. Levi quickly made his way to Reece, and they followed behind the emperor and empress into the large room.
Levi noted the glint in her eyes and her bright expression. “You appear to be enjoying yourself, Miss Bryant.”
“Indeed, I am, Your Imperial Highness.” Reece teased as she smiled up at his amused expression.
Levi laughed and subtly rolled his eyes at her formality. He brought his hand up to cover the hand she had on his arm. “It appears as though we need to get you out of here before all of these Pemdai formalities start to take over.”
Seating had been pre-arranged by the evening’s hosts, situating the guests sporadically amongst each other. This was a common practice at social affairs in Pemdas, the intent being to encourage the guests to make new acquaintances.
Levi dutifully escorted Reece to a seat that was across the table and adjacent to where he would be sitting. He cringed when he saw the young man whose seat was next to hers. How could Prather have possibly been invited to this event? His lips tightened, but fortunately, he concealed his expression of irritation when Reece glanced up at him. He offered her a reassuring smile, and then strode over to his seat. After King Hamilton gave a quick greeting to the evening’s guests, they were all seated, and the staff began bringing out an abundance of food.
