by S. L. Morgan
As Levi ate, he politely interacted with the two young women seated on either side of him; but he was also keenly aware of Mark Prather’s persistent conversation with Reece. The young man was disrespectful in every way. Of all the people Reece could be seated next to at her first social event, it had to be him.
As the meal slowly progressed, Levi felt his frustration rising. Each time Reece would attempt to take a bite of her food, the man would ask her pointless question.
“Mr. Prather, I appreciate your fervent concern about how I feel living in Pemdas, but I would love the opportunity to enjoy this delicious meal, too,” Reece said in a low voice.
“Miss Bryant, the food is quite delicious,” Mr. Prather replied. “Do you find any differences in dining on Earth as to that of dining in Pemdas?”
The expression on Reece’s face in response to Mr. Prather having ignored her statement was enough for Levi to finally intervene on her behalf. As Levi began to interject, King Hamilton abruptly spoke out.
“Mark Prather!” King Hamilton announced from the head of the table. “Tell me, how is your uncle these days?” He swallowed a sip of his wine. “You must know I was astounded to see you standing in for him this evening.”
Levi sat back and watched intently as the young man’s faced displayed frustration for King Hamilton’s blatant interruption. Then, as the table grew silent waiting for the young man to reply, Mr. Prather’s face turned to that of embarrassment. He glanced over at Levi, only to see Levi’s disapproving expression, which was waiting for the man’s response.
“Forgive me, my lord,” Mark answered, after he brought a napkin to his lips. “What was your question?”
Maybe if you closed your mouth for once this evening, you would hear what people said when they spoke to you, Levi thought.
King Hamilton’s eyes narrowed as he smiled cynically at Mr. Prather. “I do believe this is the first time I have ever been asked to repeat myself.” He laughed as he looked at Navarre sitting to his right.
Navarre studied the young man silently. Ever since issues with Simone and Michael Visor endeavoring to harm Reece had arisen, the emperor had a heightened awareness of those he didn’t necessarily trust being in her presence.
“I believe the good king was inquiring as to why you are so fortunate to be in our presence tonight,” Harrison interjected loudly from the opposite end of the table.
Mr. Prather glared at Harrison and cleared his throat. “Forgive me, King Hamilton; I thought you received the missive.” he sighed as his expression turned to sorrow. “My uncle is still unwell.”
“Unwell?” Navarre interjected with a stern expression. “This is certainly news to me. When did he become ill?”
“Your Majesty, please have no concern. My uncle seems to be recovering, although he did not wish to make the long journey to Sandari. He expressed his apologies in the missive.” Mr. Prather took a sip of his wine, and Levi could see that the young man was seeking to avoid any more talk about his uncle’s situation. “The kingdom is well, and I can tell you this from personally standing in place of King Prather while he has been ill.”
Levi and Harrison exchanged knowing glances.
Navarre sipped his wine. “Mr. Prather, I am deeply interested in continuing the conversation after dinner.” He looked at King Hamilton. “Perhaps we can retire to a more private area after we have finished dining.”
King Hamilton nodded. “Of course.”
“As I just mentioned, your Imperial Majesty,” Mr. Prather spoke out boldly, “It is nothing of concern. Please do not relinquish your enjoyment of the evening’s festivities over a simple illness.”
Navarre’s features darkened. “I will do as I please, Mr. Prather,” he said in a low, commanding voice. “And right now, your uncle’s health is of concern to me, be it your concern or not.”
Mark nodded. “If it does please Your Majesty, the kingdom is quite well.”
“As I said, we will continue this conversation in a more private setting.” Navarre answered.
Levi exhaled at the blatant absurdity of the man. Fortunately, King Hamilton quickly spoke out, attempting to end the conversation until Navarre could speak with the man in private.
“Now, I wish for nothing more than my guests to be happily filled with their meal this evening; and it seems as though Miss Bryant might be the only one in attendance who may indeed leave hungry due to your incessant chattering at her. Perhaps you’ll allow her a reprieve in order for her to take a bite?” The king said as he brushed his hand over his well-trimmed beard.
Mr. Prather’s face instantly matched the color of his fiery-red hair. Levi smiled at Reece, who was refraining from laughter as she stared at the food on her plate. Navarre and Levi exchanged subtle glances, knowing that only King Hamilton would outwardly embarrass a guest in such a way. Even though it was brazen and may have offended some attendees, Levi didn’t care, and once again found himself admiring the king for his bold personality. Although the mood at the table seemed to calm, Navarre seemed notably disturbed by his conversation with Mr. Prather.
The remainder of dinner was uneventful. Reece was finally able to enjoy her meal in peace, as Mr. Prather remained silent and unengaged from the entire dinner party. The guests were soon finishing their desserts, and Levi wasted no time dismissing himself and Reece from the others so that they could share a moment alone. They sauntered out to the balcony, both enjoying the crisp, salty air blowing in from the oceanfront. Levi used this opportunity to apologize to Reece for Mr. Prather’s rudeness, and that she had to suffer through his interruptions at dinner.
Reece and Levi’s solitude was soon interrupted by other guests slowly filtering out onto the balcony. The sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments alerted Levi that the dancing would soon commence.
“Miss Bryant,” he said with a grin. “I believe your first dance is spoken for by a gentleman who is significantly spellbound by your beauty. Shall we rejoin the guests in the ballroom?”
Reece lifted her chin and accepted his offered arm. “Yes, we shall.”
The guests were lined up facing their dancing partners, waiting for the music to begin. Levi watched in humor as Reece stared down at his feet. He cupped her chin and raised her eyes up to meet his. “Nervous?” he asked softly.
Reece narrowed her eyes some. “I think you should be the one who’s nervous.”
The music began, and Levi took her right hand into his left, and placed his other on her slender waist. Despite Reece’s nervousness about dancing, her performance was impeccable, and Levi was quite impressed. Once the dance was over, Levi led Reece to the refreshment table.
“This will be the most trying part of the evening for me,” Levi said, as he offered Reece her flute of sparkling wine.
Reece took a sip. “So this is where we have to split up?” She smiled at him playfully. “Now, it would be an insult to the evening’s hosts if I were to turn down a request from a man to dance with me, right?”
“If you are uncomfortable in any way, feel free to dismiss yourself. You are not obligated to dance with everyone in the room.”
Reece gulped the last of her wine, handed Levi the glass and said, “Don’t even trip, I’ve got this.” She smiled brightly. “You worry too much; I’ll be fine.”
Levi choked on his laughter, knowing very well he had nothing to worry about with Reece. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “So it seems.” He said with a laugh as Elizabeth and her closest friend, Angeline Hamilton, approached them.
“Ladies,” Levi acknowledged them with a proud grin.
As Levi assisted the two young women with their drinks, King Hamilton approached from behind and requested a dance with Reece. Levi used this opportunity to admire his future wife from a distance. He also took notice that there were more men than women at this gathering, and it would be quite easy for him to avoid dancing with any partners other than his sister and his mother.
After a few dance sets with h
is mother, sister, and her friend Angeline, Levi spent the remainder of the evening in conversation with his father, King Hamilton, King Nathanial, and some of the other men. The night was playing out extremely well. Reece appeared to be extremely happy, and every now and then she would smile at him with a flirtatious grin. The only unfortunate part of the evening was that it wasn’t passing fast enough, or so he thought. His selfish worry about wanting Reece all to himself was rapidly replaced with concern when she reentered the ballroom with Elizabeth and Angeline.
When they returned from what Levi believed was a trip to the ladies powder room, Reece’s face was pale and expressionless. She made eye contact with Levi, and then quickly diverted her eyes and disappeared into the crowd of women standing near the refreshment table.
Levi dismissed himself from the group of young men he was in conversation with to find Reece. He wasn’t sure what could have happened, but her lively appearance from moments before was non-existent. As he walked through the group of women, he was approached by Isabelle Hamilton.
“Levi.” She curtseyed and gazed up into his eyes. “I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with you this evening. Forgive my rudeness.”
Levi acknowledged her politely while he continued to study his surroundings, looking for Reece. Given his current concern about his future wife, the last person he wanted to encounter was the woman he had formerly courted. Even though he was annoyed by the interruption, Levi had shown nothing but the proper respect for King Hamilton’s oldest daughter. “Miss Hamilton, there is no need to apologize. There are many in attendance, and I am sure you have been detained by your guests. Think nothing of it.”
“I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of Miss Bryant; she is a lovely woman.” Isabelle looked longingly up into Levi’s eyes, forcing an awkward moment for him. “She must be remarkable in every way, to have stolen your heart.”
Oh, give me a break! Levi thought in irritation. “I am thrilled that you have met her.” Levi said as he caught a glimpse of Reece exiting out to the balcony. “Excuse me, Miss Hamilton; there is something I must attend to,” he said, abruptly ending their conversation. He knew it was rude of him; however, he was more concerned about Reece than Isabelle Hamilton’s discomfort from his behavior.
Levi strode briskly across the room, but was interrupted by numerous people along the way. By the time he made it to where Reece was, she had accepted a young man’s dance request. Levi discerned her discomfort and forced smile; but as the young man led her to the dance floor, she seemed as though she would cry at any moment.
Someone must have insulted her in some way, but what could they have said? She had dealt with all of Simone, Lillian, and Catherine’s hatefulness amazingly well; and those three women were insulting and unwelcoming in every way towards her.
“A few more dances, my man, and you will have your lovely lady all to yourself again,” Harrison announced, as he came up from behind him.
Levi continued to study Reece’s expressionless face as she and her dance partner waited for the music to start. “Something’s not right with her, Harrison,” Levi said in a low voice.
Harrison scanned the room and found Reece. “I think any woman would have the same expression on her face, if that young man desired to dance with them.” Harrison clapped Levi’s shoulder. “Give me a moment; I’ll go rescue her.”
“Harrison!” Levi blurted out, but he was too late; his cousin was already on the dance floor, and about to do one of the most offensive things that could be done at one of these events.
Levi knew Harrison well enough to know that he didn’t have a problem with breaching propriety in a situation like this. Inwardly, he was grateful for Harrison’s boldness, and the scene it would create for Harrison to barge in and replace Reece’s dancing partner did not concern him. He watched his cousin tap the man’s shoulder, and smoothly step in his place. He then began to lead Reece to the music, ignoring any scene he may have created. Even Harrison’s good humor did not change the expression on her face. Levi watched intently as Reece pointedly ignored Harrison, and appeared to force herself to get through the dance.
When the song ended, Harrison drew Reece’s arm possessively into his, and with a subtle nod to Levi, led her out of the room. Levi followed, and caught up to them in the corridors.
“Really, Harrison, I’m fine.” She acknowledged Levi with a smile when he approached. “I’m fine.” She said reassuringly as she reached for his hand.
Levi felt the trepidation in her grip. Something wasn’t right, but he wasn’t going to make matters worse by forcing answers from her. Luckily, the evening was coming to a close, and Navarre and Allestaine began making their final farewells to the guests. Levi and Reece followed the emperor and empress in bidding everyone goodnight, and soon after, they were in the carriage on their way back to Stavesworth Hall. Levi’s concern was growing by the second as she remained silent and leaned into his embrace.
“Sweetheart,” Levi spoke softly, while brushing his hand along her arm. “Please talk to me; what has happened?”
“Really, it’s nothing,” she responded absently.
Levi pressed his lips into her temple, absorbing the rich fragrance that always assaulted his senses. “I would happily believe that, if your expression had not changed to one of absolute distress when you returned to the ballroom.”
“I think I got a little overwhelmed by everything tonight.” She looked up at him. “I’m feeling much better being alone with you now.”
She wasn’t being entirely honest with him, and Levi knew it. Levi brushed his hand over her cheek, seeing the troubled expression that she was trying to mask with a smile. “I love you,” he said, with concern in his voice.
At the moment he said it, he caught a glimpse of tears filling her eyes before she quickly turned her head away.
“Reece…”
“Levi, don’t…please.” She sniffed.
Levi refrained from asking any more questions. Instead, he gently massaged her arm, as he contemplated how to get her open up about what had upset her so badly. By the time they arrived at Stavesworth Hall, Reece insisted on going straight to her room. Levi didn’t have much time to argue, as his father requested a short meeting with him.
He led Reece up to her room and before departing, pulled her into a tight embrace. “Once I’ve finished speaking with my father, I will return to check on you.”
Reece stepped back and looked up into his eyes. “And if I’m already asleep?” she teased.
Levi nearly sighed in relief when he saw the humor in her eyes.
Levi reached for her hand. “Then I will ensure that you are properly tucked in.” He raised it to his lips. “Go freshen up, my love. Jasmeen can mix up a relaxing tea remedy for you.”
Her smile was brighter now. “I love you.”
Levi smiled, absolutely taken by her beauty. She raised her hand up to his lips, her fingertips delicately tracing them. “I so love this smile,” she whispered, with a look of sadness.
Levi started to respond, but she turned to walk into her room. As he stood there, confused and struggling to make out what was going on, she turned back to him and smiled. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
Levi nodded, and then quickly turned to leave. As he made his way to his father’s study, he desperately hoped that this meeting would pass quickly.
Reece leaned against the balcony railing, observing the ocean waves as they slowly rolled into the shoreline. She watched as the waves crept up and swept over the glittery sand, drawing it back out to sea again.
“Miss Bryant, your tea,” Jasmeen said, as she stepped out onto the terrace.
She turned around and smiled. “Thanks, Jasmeen.”
“Is there anything else I can get you?”
“This is perfect, thanks.”
Jasmeen turned to leave, giving Reece her privacy. Reece slowly sipped the tea, letting the unique flavor of it soothe her. She gazed out onto the surface of the water, watching
the many brilliant shades of blue glisten. This time she wasn’t able to appreciate the majestic beauty of Pemdas the way she usually did.
“This view has never appeared more enchanting,” a low voice spoke from behind.
Reece glanced over her shoulder to see Levi leaning up against the doorframe. “It’s really beautiful tonight.”
Levi came up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He molded his body around hers while kissing her softly on her cheek. “You appear to be feeling somewhat better.” He caressed her cheek. “I have something I want to show you; would you be up for a walk?”
Reece looked down at her cotton pants and navy blue top. “Hopefully the walk consists of staying inside my room, because I really don’t want to put another gown on.”
Levi’s forehead creased, and then he laughed. “The route we will be taking will not require that you dress in a gown. You will be perfectly fine.” He lightly ran his long fingers under the thin straps on her shoulder. “I will say, I am exceedingly grateful you chose to bring some of your clothes from Earth.”
Reece sighed, feeling goose bumps cover her shoulder. “You find yoga pants and tank tops attractive?”
Levi’s eyes grew somewhat mysterious as he smiled at her. “It reminds me of the way you dressed on Earth, and I find it extremely attractive.” His lips twisted while he studied her. “It is also probably the reason we should leave your room quickly.”
Reece smiled as she brushed passed him and walked over to her sofa. She picked up her light cotton jacket, pulled it on and exhaled. When she was ready, Levi approached her, clutched her hand, and led her to a door in her room she hadn’t previously noticed. “These are the servants’ passageways,” he advised her as he led her through the dimly lit hallway. “Harrison and I used to play in all of these hidden passages as young boys,” he added, with humor in his voice. “Those wooden doors over there were where we convinced his sister, Lillian to hide one time.” He laughed out loud. “I thought we were merely going to lock her in the room; however, little did I know, Harrison had mouse in his pocket that he threw in the room as I was closing the door. I do not believe I have ever seen our parents so upset with Harrison and me, after Lillian told them what we had done to her.”
