by S. L. Morgan
She rubbed her forehead, as the lingering headache started throbbing again. “That’s fine.”
“Go freshen up; I’ll be sure to check on you before I retire for the night.”
After a quick hug, Reece walked into her room and called for Jasmeen. The maiden responded promptly, and quickly prepared the tea Levi mentioned. Once the hot bath was drawn, Reece entered the bathroom, and her skin tingled in its soothing environment. The room was dimmed, lit only by candles, and filled with the aroma of lavender and vanilla. Reece’s throbbing headache eased with every step she took toward the bath.
She sank into the tub up to her neck, letting the warm water relax every exhausted nerve in her body. As her exhaustion slipped away, she let her mind roam back to the wonderful day she’d spent with Levi. It was great to have him home, and she couldn’t wait to be back in his arms again.
That evening, the ladies had their dinner in the palace gardens. Allestaine discussed in more detail her plans for the engagement party. Reece was perfectly content during their meal, so she couldn’t understand why her head began aching again. Listening to Allestaine talk about the décor for the party wasn’t helping; everything was starting to weigh on her and Reece couldn’t determine why she was feeling this way. She was never so thankful as she was when dinner was finally over, and the women went back into the palace.
Elizabeth mentioned that she had been working with the palace’s orchestra, and had written her own music for Reece and Levi’s wedding ceremony. She asked Reece if she would join her in the music chambers in order to hear some of the pieces. Reece wanted nothing more than to return to her bedroom, slip into something comfortable, and curl up in bed; but for fear of hurting Elizabeth’s feelings, she pressed on.
Reece sat on the sofa with Simone at her side as Elizabeth began to play her compositions. The music was relaxing, but it didn’t take long before her headache returned. She nearly let out a growl of frustration when Elizabeth had finished her performance and Levi and Harrison entered the room. Will this night ever end? she thought, while she forced a smile on her face.
Levi promptly strode over to where Elizabeth had joined Reece and Simone on the sofa while Harrison busied himself pouring a glass of wine.
“Good evening, ladies.” Levi said as he leaned over to give Reece a kiss on the forehead.
Harrison came over and sat next to Levi on the sofa across from the women. Out of nowhere, Reece started to feel panicky. What is wrong with me? she thought, as she tried to fan herself discreetly.
“Reece is there anything I can get you? Perhaps some wine?” Levi asked, aware that she seemed uncomfortable.
“That sound nice, thank you.” Reece said with a forced smile.
When Levi returned with a glass of wine, she sipped it in hopes it would relax her nerves.
Harrison relaxed into the sofa and gazed speculatively at Simone, who sat between Reece and Elizabeth. “Well, isn’t this a lovely portrait?” He looked at Levi. “A venomous thorn sitting in the midst of two roses.”
Levi’s lips tightened as he restrained himself from laughter.
“Don’t you think that was a little uncalled for, Harrison?” Reece snapped impulsively in utter annoyance.
“Absolutely not,” Harrison said with a laugh. He took another sip of his wine, and his scrutinizing gaze was back on Simone. “Your sudden return to the palace has me curious as to what you may have in store for us this time.” He looked at Levi. “I mean, she couldn’t successfully finish all of us off the last time, so she must have a better plan now.”
Simone cleared her throat. “I know you may find it difficult to believe, but I came back to apologize to Reece for everything I did to her.” She smiled at Reece. “Fortunately, she has forgiven me. It is my hope that you will learn to forgive me in time as well.”
Harrison took a large gulp of his wine, and offered Simone a smug grin. “I’ve known you for a long time, Simone; don’t hold your breath waiting for my forgiveness. I think for now you should just delight yourself with the fact that Reece has forgiven you.”
“Exactly what are you trying to say?” Reece blurted out. “Am I wrong to forgive her?”
Reece had no idea why she was being so confrontational with him, but she couldn’t help it. Her head was throbbing and everything was irritating. Harrison had every right to feel the way he did. Simone put his life in jeopardy, along with Levi’s.
“Of course not; I’m sure it’s completely natural to forgive someone who threatened your life,” Harrison replied, obviously aiming to make some form of a point. Reece rolled her eyes and looked at Levi, hoping his expression would calm her. It didn’t. He sat there with his usual noble posture, watching her intently. Gee, thanks for getting my back. Reece’s lips tightened in frustration and she gazed out of the windows.
“Reece,” Simone said softly, forcing Reece to look at her. “Please don’t be upset with Harrison. I created all of this myself,” she said, as she reached for Reece’s hand.
Reece jerked her hand away from Simone. Her emotions seemed like they were on a roller coaster; what was really wrong with her? She took a gulp of her wine, begging the drink to calm her.
Luckily, Elizabeth helped to change the subject, and brought up the engagement party planning. Her soft voice and kind spirit seemed to relax the sudden tension that filled the room. Reece continued to sip her wine, but the bizarre headache was not subsiding, and every time she spoke, she was curt and rude with her response.
“So, Reece, are you looking forward to dancing for hours on end at this engagement party?” Harrison said with laughter. “I believe this celebration will outdo the Hamilton’s—”
“What makes you think we’ll be having dancing at the engagement party?” she cut him off abruptly.
Her head was pounding, her eyes burning and her mood entirely out of control. She had to leave this room before she made a bigger spectacle of herself than she already had. She stood abruptly. “I’m sorry about that, Harrison.” Before anyone could respond, Reece rapidly fled the room.
She wasn’t far from her room when Levi caught her gently by the arm. Reece stopped and exhaled, frustrated. She wanted to be alone and exhaustion was now weighing heavily on her.
“Is everything okay?” Levi questioned softly.
Reece glanced up and for the first time since being with him earlier that day, she was entrapped by his vivid blue eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t feel good, and my head is killing me.”
Levi tenderly caressed her cheek. “Let’s get you back to your room. I’ll send for a remedy that will help with your headache.”
As Reece reached for his offered arm, she stumbled, and her legs gave out. Before she collapsed, she was cradled in Levi’s arms, as he walked rapidly to her room. She laid her head against his shoulder, and his rich, masculine scent soothed her. She reached up and gently caressed his face. It was amazing how much better she felt having him holding her securely. “I’m actually feeling a little better now. Maybe I just needed to be close to you.” She said with a soft laugh.
“I’m relieved to hear that.” He gently kissed her forehead. “A quiet evening alone with you does sound quite enticing and this gives us an excuse to do just that.”
Once they were in her room, Levi went directly into her bedchamber and placed her on the bed. “Let me send for your maiden and the remedy, and I’ll return after you have changed and are settled into your bed.”
After Jasmeen helped Reece into a long, silky gown, she snuggled under the covers and reclined against the overstuffed pillows that were set up for her. She sipped the medicine tea that Levi had sent for her, and gazed out of the windows that offered a perfect view of the illuminating grounds outside.
Her headache was starting to subside. I’d better not be getting sick! she thought, taking another sip of her tea. She laid her head against the pillows, and her heart skipped a beat when Levi walked into her room, smiling with the smile he held only fo
r her.
“You are unquestionably beautiful,” he said, as he approached her bed.
She motioned for him to sit next to her, and without hesitation, he did.
“Has the remedy helped?” Levi asked, as he brought his arm around her.
“I’m definitely feeling more relaxed; I hope I’m not getting sick.” She snuggled into his sturdy side. “It’s really nice to have you here with me.”
Levi kissed her softly on her head. “Soon, we will spend every evening in this manner. I long for the day I wake up with you by my side.”
Reece placed her arm sluggishly over his chest. “Me, too,” she answered softly. “I forgot to ask; how did the meetings go with Samuel and your father?”
“Well, it appears that the exercises I will be going through in order to strengthen my mind will require that I leave the palace for a couple of weeks.”
“Why do you have to leave?” she said with a yawn.
“I will not be far. Queen Galleta’s residence is only about an hour north of the palace. Apparently, it will take a gratuitous amount of concentration; therefore, I must isolate myself. I cannot have any distractions.”
“I think you’re trying to get out of engagement party planning,” she teased.
She felt Levi laugh as he ran his fingers through her hair. “I might be.”
“So when do you have to leave for your training?” She said covering a yawn.
“I planned to leave before first light tomorrow morning; if all goes as planned, I should be back within a week or so.”
As Levi continued to inform Reece about the process of his training, his soothing voice was making it hard for her to stay awake. Reece felt him kiss her gently on her forehead, and heard him mumble something. It was the last thing she remembered before falling asleep in his sturdy arms.
Levi sat for a few quiet moments, savoring the contentment he felt with Reece asleep at his side. He tilted his head so that he could have a better view of her sleeping soundly. His movement roused her somewhat, and she turned away from him and curled up on her side. Levi smiled; she was so beautiful, and it was going to be difficult to leave her.
While walking back to his room, he encountered Simone walking through the dimly lit hallways.
“Levi, is everything okay with Reece?” Simone asked.
Levi stared intently at the woman, annoyed by her concern. “Reece will be fine,” he replied. “Simone, tell me; exactly how long do you plan to stay with us at the palace?”
A hint of red touched her cheeks. “I had planned to leave tomorrow, but Reece asked me to stay and help with the engagement celebration planning.” She inhaled deeply and stared down at her fidgeting hands. “I misjudged her from the beginning. I’m amazed that Reece has forgiven me after what I did,” she said with a smile, as she looked at Levi. “She’s really a wonderful person. I’m thankful she’s accepting me as her friend. I don’t deserve it.”
Levi felt the blood boiling beneath the surface of his skin. “Simone, I’ve never loved anyone more than I love her. I will forever protect her with my life,” he spoke with warning, and continued when he was assured Simone understood. “In regard to her befriending you after what you put her through—you are indeed correct, madam; you do not deserve the privilege of her even acknowledging your presence. I will only caution you once; if you do anything to take advantage of her forgiveness, you will answer to me personally for it,” he stated firmly.
Simone nodded, and the sad expression on her face only encouraged Levi further.
“If she so much as suggests to me that you have upset her for any reason, I will see to it that you are removed from my home.” His eyes narrowed as he stared at her pathetic expression. “I will be honest, Simone; I am not as forgiving as Reece. Your pathetic apology has only served to upset me further over everything you have done. However, I will not argue with Reece about her opinion of you. I will also not allow my opinion of you to cause a quarrel between us, either. Now, if you will excuse me.”
Unable to stare into her mournful eyes and watch the tears well up in them, Levi quickly left her presence.
Before light had made its way onto the land, Levi departed the palace. He hoped that this training would be successful and would be over quickly.
Reece was startled awake by the sound of voices in her sitting room. She overheard Levi speaking angrily at someone. From what she could tell, he was ordering this person to stay away from her, and demanding they leave the palace. What is he still doing here?
She noticed that a chair had been pulled next to her bed. What’s going on? she thought, as she heard a woman crying in the sitting room.
Confused, she got out of bed, and pulled on her robe. She was lightheaded, but she felt much better than she had the previous night. As she went into the next room, she saw Simone sitting on the couch with her head in her hands, sobbing. Levi was irate, and staring intently at the hysterical woman.
“Levi?” she questioned in shock at the scene before her. “What happened?”
Levi turned his darkened gaze to where she stood. “Reece, what are you doing out of bed? Why did you not call for Jasmeen?” His voice was deep and commanding.
“Excuse me?” she said in a high-pitched voice. “Last I remember, I didn’t need anyone’s permission to get out of bed. What’s going on out here? And why are you so angry?”
Levi looked at her in frustration. “Reece, you must return to your bed now; you are unwell. We have someone on their way to evaluate your condition.”
“I am perfectly fine. Now, tell me what’s going on out here? Why are you yelling at Simone?”
Levi stalked over to Reece and without warning, reached out and grabbed her upper arm. He swiftly spun her around and escorted her back to her bedchamber. Reece became enraged by his hostile approach. She jerked her arm out of his grip and gazed severely into his darkened eyes.
“Don’t you dare grab me like that.” she snapped. “What’s your problem? Why are you still here, and why are you yelling at Simone?”
Levi turned to stare out the window and exhaled. “You have been unconscious for over two days. None of us can figure out why, and I’ve been with you this entire time.”
“Unconscious?” She said disbelievingly.
“Yes,” Levi responded as he looked back at her. “And that is why I was questioning Simone. It’s strange that she returns to the palace, and then you fall ill that very same day.”
“Why would you jump to a conclusion like that? Simone hasn’t done anything.”
Levi turned his livid gaze upon her. “You are being imprudent and foolish by accepting her as your friend. I forbid you to be in the presence of that woman.”
Reece felt her cheeks burning with anger. “Forbid me? Who do you think you are to speak to me like this?”
“Yes, Reece, I forbid you. I know what is best, and you will abide by my decision. I do not trust Simone; therefore, I will not permit you to be in her company.”
“You don’t have to be so demanding with me.” She retorted.
Levi’s expression darkened. “I can be any way I want. You will find your place at my side, Reece. Your speaking to me with such disrespect is inexcusable.”
Reece didn’t respond to him; instead, she slowly stepped back in absolute disgust of the man standing in front of her.
“I will not have a wife who questions me, am I clear?”
Who are you? Reece’s heart was pounding in her chest. She experienced an array of emotions; anger, frustration, shock, disbelief and most of all, heartbreak. She continued to stare at him as tears started to well up in her eyes.
Levi approached her, and his strong hands clenched tightly around her upper arms. She flinched in pain, but he didn’t seem to care.
“Answer me,” he growled.
“No!” she snapped. “Get out of my room, now!”
Unexpectedly, Levi’s entire demeanor changed. He released his tightened grip. “Reece,” he said, in a softer voic
e. “I do not wish to frighten you.” He offered her a subtle grin, and reached for her face. “I love you.”
Reece abruptly jerked her head away. “I said, leave my room,” she said through clenched teeth.
Levi’s expression grew black with rage again. He snatched her arms and aggressively pulled her close to him.
Reece gasped in pain. “Levi! Stop!” She tried to wrench away, but his bruising grip prevented it. “Stop! You’re hurting me!” she demanded.
Levi ignored her and instead, brought his lips onto hers forcefully. Reece was fighting for air, and she tried to push him away. As hard as she tried to fight him, he only grew stronger against her resistance.
Tears streamed from her eyes, and when Reece believed she couldn’t take anymore, Levi was gone. Her eyes flew open, and she was in her bed. Reece gripped her forehead. “It was a dream,” she said softly.
Even though she was relieved that it was only a nightmare, she was quite disturbed by it. The dream seemed so real that she couldn’t help but to feel a little disgusted by Levi at the moment. She had to get up, get going, and get rid of these awful images in her head.
Reece managed to dismiss the dream and go through the entire day feeling more like herself; however, that night would only send another nightmare. The next morning she woke up crying, and she realized her night clothes were drenched in sweat from the horrible dream. She couldn’t figure out why the nightmares were occurring, and why her subconscious would portray Levi in such an abusive manner.
She chose not to tell anyone about the dreams. Throughout the day, the bad feelings about Levi would subside; but at night, the nightmares would always return. After three nights of these tormenting dreams, she began to make efforts to stay awake. Even though she tried, she would inevitably fail and end up face-to-face with the hostile Levi again.
After she woke up from another nightmare, she cried in desperation. Why is this happening to me? She thought in anguish. Half-awake and terrified to go back to sleep, she got out of bed and was startled when a dark shadow was framed in the entrance of her bedchambers. Her heart raced; it was Levi. He was home? Why was he in her room?
