by S. L. Morgan
She didn’t think twice; she needed him desperately. She ran toward the entrance and embraced him tightly.
“Levi, I’m so relieved you’re home.” Then she sighed. “I’ve had the craziest dreams since you left.”
His hand ran tenderly through her hair. “We can’t have that now, can we?”
His voice was chilling. She glanced out of the windows at the dark, illuminating land. “What time is it, anyway?”
“It’s three o’clock in the morning.”
“Three?” She stepped back and looked up at him. “Why are you here?”
Levi’s eyes were dark as they gazed into hers. “Is it wrong that I check on you if I am concerned?”
Reece inhaled deeply; she was still dreaming. This was the possessive, hostile Levi, the unpredictable man she was growing more terrified of with every dream she had.
Wake up, Reece! she thought, as Levi stared darkly at her. “Levi, leave,” she confidently told him.
He approached her, and Reece was frozen. His hand ran through her hair, and then he clenched it tightly, pulling so hard it caused Reece to cry out in pain. “Please, Levi,” she said in tears.
Levi’s lips seized her neck, and his other arm forced her body tightly against his. “You’ll learn soon enough not to question me,” he said in a hoarse voice.
Reece’s body trembled with fear. “Please, don’t.”
Without warning, Levi withdrew and stood tall and rigid in front of her. He clenched her chin in his strong hands, and she gulped as her eyes widened in fear. Dream or not, the pain was real. Levi felt real, and she wasn’t waking up from it.
“I’m sorry,” she said through sobbing tears.
Levi’s lips turned up slightly as he withdrew his crushing grip. “I love you, Reece,” he said, as he tenderly embraced her and gazed hungrily at her mouth. Reece became nauseated as he brought his lips to hers, securing another possessive kiss. Finally, he pulled away, and stepped toward the exit of her room. He looked back and smiled with what seemed to be satisfaction. “You were wise to offer me an apology.” He smirked. “You’re learning,” he said in a mocking tone, and then he left.
She heard the door in the other room shut, and her eyes flew open to the sun peeking through the curtains in her room. She ran both of her hands through her hair, gripping her head tightly. “Why is this happening?” she said through tears of frustration. How could she conquer this? Running in the morning seemed to be the only thing to pull her back into reality, but she had no energy to do that this morning.
“Reece?” Jasmeen called softly from the other room. “Are you okay?”
Reece quickly wiped the tears away before Jasmeen entered the room. She sat up in bed and forced a pathetic smile on her face. “I’m just missing Levi,” she lied.
Jasmeen walked over to open the windows, allowing a cool, fresh breeze to enter the room. “I have your running attire prepared for your morning jog; that seems to always lift your spirits.” she said, as she moved toward the doorway.
Reece got out of bed. “I don’t think I’m up for a run this morning,” she replied, as she slipped on her robe. “Will you get me a cup of hot tea instead?” That didn’t even sound refreshing. Nothing did.
“Absolutely,” Jasmeen answered in surprise. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”
“I’m fine,” Reece said, as she followed Jasmeen into the sitting room. “I think I’d rather start in on the decorations for the engagement celebration instead. Do you know where the wedding planner journal is that Elizabeth bought for me?”
“Yes, it’s in your desk,” Jasmeen said, as she walked over to Reece’s writing desk. “Let me get it for you.”
Reece had an idea. She would document these horrific dreams, from the very first one she’d had, and every one after that, and maybe it would be therapeutic. Something had to be causing this. After Jasmeen gave her the journal, Reece began writing about the bizarre dreams. She wrote in detail about the day she’d dozed off at Levi’s side, and he’d held a knife to her throat. She shuddered at the memory of that dream, and that she could still recall it as if she had just woken up from it.
It had been two weeks since Reece’s night terrors had begun. During this time, her appetite had diminished, and because of her sleep deprivation and lack of nourishment, she began to feel herself losing her grip on reality.
She became obsessed with writing in her journal, and believed that this book was the only thing that she could rely on to help her cope. Her dreams not only included Levi threatening her in some way, but they also consisted of the terrifying beings that she had seen in Scotland at the Council of Worlds.
She couldn’t remember the last time she drank anything, or ate an entire meal; all she did was pick at the food on her plate. She was sick to her stomach from lack of sleep and fear of everyone around her. The only thing that served to help her now was planning the engagement celebration with Allestaine, Elizabeth, and Simone. She spotted more than one concerned expression, but managed to make light of her exhaustion and current despair. She couldn’t tell them about what was going on; they would insist she rest, and she couldn’t do that.
Because she had not been eating, and not sleeping well, she struggled to get through each day. She sat down on the edge of her bed and strained to keep her eyes open.
Stop it, Reece! If anyone catches on, they will make you sleep! Pull it together! she told herself. She laughed softly as she stood. You’ve officially gone insane, Reece! Who knows? This is probably a dream, too!
As soon as she considered herself presentable, she walked out to have Jasmeen help her get ready for the day. She sat in the makeup chair, and watched as Jasmeen displayed a look of sympathy toward her. “Is there something wrong?” she snapped at the maiden.
“Reece, you appear unwell,” she said softly.
“Oh, give me a break!” Reece huffed.
The maiden remained quiet as Reece stared at the reflection of herself in the mirror. She looked pitiful; her eyes hollow, no color in her complexion, and no fullness in her face. It was a horrific sight, and most likely an image of herself from another horrifying dream. Fortunately, Jasmeen remained quiet while she went to work on Reece’s hair and makeup. But it didn’t matter how hard Jasmeen tried to cover her pathetic appearance; her face was worn. A wave of anxiety washed over Reece, knowing that the family would eventually question her about this, and then force her to rest.
Jasmeen poured Reece a hot cup of tea and gave her breakfast. “I had the staff prepare a tray of food for you this morning. I do hope you will eat.” she said, as Reece took the plate.
Reece eyed the maiden, wondering what she was really thinking. Eat the food, and she probably won’t say anything. Reece forced herself to take a small sip of her tea, and nibble on the muffin until the maiden left the room.
After Jasmeen left, Reece waited a few minutes before joining Jasmeen in the dressing room. Jasmeen looked at her pitifully, provoking Reece’s irritation. “Quit looking at me like that. Please, just help me get ready so I can get on with this day.” Reece ordered her.
Jasmeen’s expression didn’t change as she studied Reece.
“Jasmeen!” Reece snapped. “Stop staring at me like that! I’m fine. I’m only depressed because I miss Levi. Now, please help me get ready,” she said, hoping Jasmeen believed the lie.
After Jasmeen silently conceded to Reece’s request, she went through extra efforts of altering the dress to fit her, having to take it in a bit more than usual due to Reece’s weight loss. Once ready, Reece set off to the grand ballroom, where she and Allestaine had been working on preparations for the engagement party.
After she had been in the room alone for close to an hour not knowing where to start or what to do next, Allestaine, Elizabeth and Simone arrived.
“Reece, sweetheart? We expected you this morning for breakfast. Did you heed my advice and rest?” Allestaine asked.
Reece brushed her hair away from her face, a
nd stared at the three impeccably dressed women. They appeared so energized, and Reece was bitterly jealous that they weren’t experiencing the same torment as she was.
It’s probably another dream anyways, she thought, as she gazed at Allestaine’s perfection. “Oh! Well, forgive me for not heeding your advice!” she said abrasively. “I skipped breakfast because I want to make sure everything is getting done for the engagement party.” She glared at the women. “Apparently it’s only important to me these days,” she snapped.
Reece turned her back on the women, not able to look at them for another second. She proceeded to go through the many boxes of décor, and then she heard Allestaine quietly dismiss Simone and Elizabeth from the room.
Allestaine gently placed her hand on Reece’s arm, and turned her to face her. Reece exhaled in annoyance and pulled her arm from Allestaine’s gentle grip. She glared at the empress, waiting for the lecture to begin.
Allestaine’s expression didn’t falter. “Reece, I take great offense your assumption. I do not know what is happening with you, but I will not abide being spoken to in such a manner.”
“Forgive me, your majesty.” She mocked.
Reece’s hands started shaking, and her legs became weak. She wanted to scream, she wanted to rip her hair out; why couldn’t she escape this?
“Reece, you will return to your room until you’ve been examined by a physician.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” She responded firmly.
Allestaine stepped closer to Reece, “You can go on your own,” she said in authoritative tone. “Or I will have someone escort you there.”
“Please, don’t,” Reece whispered. “I’ll go.” Her heart began racing and she tried desperately to take in air but couldn’t. She wanted to run away from this sudden feeling of panic, but where? How could she get rid of it? The more she panicked the worse it became. Her palms started sweating, her entire body became weak and she started sweating profusely. She needed to leave the presence of this woman at once.
Reece fled the room before Allestaine could respond. As she stumbled through the corridors and back to her room, she had a strange feeling this wasn’t a dream. She had completely made an irrational fool out of herself with Allestaine, and there was no turning back now. But that wasn’t what she was worried about. If she went to that room, she would fall asleep. With what sanity she had left, she knew she needed help. But she couldn’t wait for the doctor in the room where the nightmares were waiting to torment her again.
She had to stay awake; she had to get outside. She stormed out to the gardens and sat on a bench facing away from the palace. She stared into the flowering bushes, and forced her tired eyes to stay open.
Levi had successfully finished his training, and he couldn’t be more relieved to leave Queen Galleta’s estate and return to the palace. Finally, the palace came into view, and Levi’s anticipation to be home with Reece was stronger than ever. He halted Areion abruptly when he saw his mother standing at the top of the steps in the courtyard. He dismounted quickly when he discerned the look of distress on her face.
“What has happened? Why are you out here?” he asked as he bounded up the steps to where she stood.
“I was awaiting the physician in the sitting room when I noticed you return to the palace. I wanted to speak with you before you reported to the command center. I am so thankful you are home; Reece is ill.”
“She’s ill? How so? What’s going on?” he demanded.
“She hasn’t been eating or sleeping—”
“Where is she?” he interrupted.
“She is resting in her room.”
Before his mother could say another word, Levi charged past her and headed toward Reece’s room. When he arrived at the room, Jasmeen informed him that she hadn’t seen Reece since she had left for breakfast that morning. Levi left the room swiftly, in search of where Reece may have gone.
He maintained a calm demeanor as he searched the areas where he believed she may have gone. As he strode through the halls, he encountered a servant. “Miss Talinger, do you know the whereabouts of Miss Bryant?”
The servant offered him a proper curtsy. “Master Levi, I have not seen her, sir.”
Before she rose up, Levi had already thanked her and continued down the hallway. Where could she have gone? he thought in concern. He realized that he was wasting his time searching for her in the palace. Reece always found her solace outdoors, and that must be where he would find her. He promptly made his way toward the doors that exited out to the back garden of the palace.
As he stepped onto the balcony, he gazed out toward the pastures to see if she might be with Arrow. She wasn’t there, so he briskly strode down the steps. He was almost out of the garden when he spied Reece sitting on a bench, facing away from him. He sighed in relief as he walked over to her. On his approach, his heart nearly stopped when she looked up at him with seemingly lifeless eyes.
Reece stared up into Levi’s darkened expression, and feared that this was yet another nightmare.
“My love?” He spoke softly, as he knelt in front of her.
She smiled at him, hoping he would not scold her as he always did in these terrifying dreams.
He carefully took her hands into his, and she trembled at his soft touch; she couldn’t remember a time when she’d encountered a dream in which his strong hands were not gripping hers painfully. Tears began to fill her eyes as she took comfort in the sight of his hands tenderly holding hers; but if this was a dream, she knew at any moment they would tighten their embrace. They were so beautiful; everything about Levi was beautiful—or at least, it used to be.
“Reece? I need you to look at me.”
His voice was becoming stern. She inhaled, waiting for him to lash out at her. She couldn’t look at him; she was too afraid to take her eyes off of the peaceful sight of his hands gently holding hers.
He placed his index finger under her chin and brought her eyes up to meet his. The gesture startled her. She flinched, frightened of what would happen next. She stood abruptly and tried to flee from him, but he effortlessly prevented her escape. Levi stood in front of her and embraced her. No, please…please don’t hurt me, she thought, as he held her close. She did everything in her power to free herself from him, but as always, she was powerless.
“Reece, I beg of you. Please stop fighting me. You are unwell, and I need you to communicate with me so I can help you.”
Help me? You caused this! Reece thought angrily. She was at her limit with these nightmares of Levi controlling her. “I am fine, Levi! Why can’t anyone see that? Leave me alone,” she snarled in a weak voice.
“You are not okay, Reece,” he answered. “Something is severely wrong. You must return to your room so the physician can evaluate your condition.”
Reece closed her eyes. There was no way out of this; he would eventually force her to do his will. “Are you ordering me to my room, Levi?” she said with disgust.
Levi’s expression was unreadable, and Reece cringed in fear.
“A physician should arrive at any time now. You must be examined.”
“Fine! Get out of my way!”
She tried to walk past him, but he clutched her arm to prevent her passing.
“I will not get out of your way,” he said in a stern voice. “You are in no condition to walk alone.”
She jerked her arm away from him. Strangely, she was successful, unlike in her nightmares. She turned to leave, but her weak legs gave out on her. The next thing she knew she was cradled in Levi’s arms.
With the last of her energy depleted, she laid her head against Levi’s shoulder; she then experienced something that she never noticed in her horrific dreams, the fragrance she loved so much about him was present. Is this the real Levi? she thought as his rich, masculine scent soothed her entirely.
It really is him! This isn’t a nightmare! She tried to reach up and touch his face to be sure this wasn’t a nightmare, but her arms were too heavy. No! No! Do
n’t go to sleep, Reece. She couldn’t keep her eyes open, and her mind was fading. In a panic, she tried to scream his name so that he wouldn’t let her fall asleep. Nothing came out. She used every last bit of energy she had to open her eyes. It was only for a brief moment, and then everything went black.
Levi carried Reece directly to her bed. Jasmeen met him at the entrance to her room, while still preparing for the doctor’s arrival. His heart was pounding in his chest because of what was taking place; but as much as it disturbed him to see Reece in this condition, he would not let emotion cloud his ability to ensure that she was properly cared for, and that her health was restored.
As soon as Reece was safely on her bed, he ordered the maiden to bring a tray of food and water. When Jasmeen reentered the room, Levi turned to Reece; as much as he wanted her to rest, it was painfully obvious that she needed nourishment and hydration more. He carefully brushed the back of his hand over her pale face to awaken her. His heart twisted in pain, because even as she slept, she flinched away from his touch.
“I need you to wake, love,” he said softly.
Her eyes snapped open, and she stared at Levi fearfully. He instantly reacted to her expression, to assure her that he would not hurt her. What has happened to you? he thought as he went to embrace her. If he would have known the reaction it would cause, he would have never considered the gesture.
As he reached out to her, her eyes became wild with anger. “Get away from me! Get out of my room!” she snarled.
Levi’s heart was breaking; he couldn’t imagine what was causing her irrational behavior. The physician needed to arrive, and soon. He reached for the tray of food, and placed it on her bed in front of her.
“Tell me what happened, Reece.” He asked with concern.
“I said leave my room.”
“Very well, if you are not going to tell me what’s wrong, then you must at least eat something.”
“I’m not hungry, Levi!” she snapped.
