by S. L. Morgan
“Oh, I believe you know exactly what my implications are. First you demand a leave of absence, and then you fail to attend the meeting Samuel returned to the palace for this morning? I believed you would have been interested to know about the progress Queen Galleta has made with the Armedite priestess. Apparently nothing interests you these days.”
Levi looked up at him. “I had forgotten about the meeting, forgive me. Well, what kind of progress has Galleta made?”
Harrison sat in a chair across from Levi. “I must say I am impressed that I have your attention. Unfortunately, there has been no progress because the priestess will not cooperate with Galleta at all. Galleta seems to believe there is more to this woman than she’s letting on. She’s certainly unlike any individual we’ve encountered.”
The memory of Levi’s encounter with the Armedite priestess and how she altered his mind resurfaced, and it irritated him more. “Whether or not Galleta reaches her mind, she’s not a threat so long as she remains imprisoned here in Pemdas.” He sat up some. “And if this woman chooses not to cooperate, she is deciding her own fate, and that is not my problem.”
“True.” Harrison answered with a smile. “Oh! You’ll appreciate this new information; Samuel has been informed that Michael is Lucas’ new commanding officer,” he said with a laugh. “Imagine that! Michael leading the Armedite’s army.”
Levi inhaled, annoyed. “Harrison, forgive me, but I am in no mood to talk about any of this. I really do not care what happens with the priestess, Michael, or anyone else for that matter. Please, leave me be; I need to be alone.”
Harrison leaned back and chuckled. “I wish I could comply with your demands; however, I am not inclined to do so at the present moment.”
“I am in no mood for this. Why have you come? To lecture me on my negligence for missing Samuel’s meeting? Or to engage in simple conversation? I will tell you again, now is not the time,” Levi responded sternly.
“Well, since we are listing things we are not in the mood for,” Harrison said sarcastically, “let me go on record and say that the number one thing on my list is seeing you like this.”
Levi closed his eyes, and ran his fingers through his hair.
“You need to pull it together and find a solution, or move on. Sitting alone in your room sulking is accomplishing absolutely nothing.”
Levi glared at Harrison. “I do not sit here and sulk because Reece and I have quarreled. I have done something to upset her severely; something has forced her to see me differently. Before she decided to leave, she would not allow me to so much as touch her. I only sit here withdrawn because all I want to do is ride to Samuel’s estate, retrieve her, and bring her back.”
“And you do not…because?”
Levi let out his breath. “It is not what she wants. Why would I force her to live in my presence when she has proven to me that it is the last place she desires to be?” He gazed at the glass he held. “I believe she blames me for being forced to live in Pemdas.”
Harrison sighed in annoyance. “I am sorry, but I will no longer sit and watch you wallow in self-pity.” He stood. “However, I am also not going to watch you drown your sorrows away,” he looked down at the glass Levi held, “in your glass of water, either. Would it interest you to know, I believe I have an excellent idea to fix all of this?”
“Please, Harrison, you are wasting your time.”
“That is true. There are plenty of other things I’d much rather be doing. Nevertheless, I can no longer stand by and watch you suffer like this. This is all gotten way out of hand; therefore, it is time we fix it, and remove Reece from Simone’s presence.”
Levi eyed Harrison blandly. “What is it you suggest? I am curious. I believe I have thought of everything already.”
A broad smile stretched across Harrison’s face. “Have you now? Well, you may have thought of everything except fixing the very problem you believe is causing Reece’s discontentment.”
Harrison smiled when light seemed to reappear in Levi’s eyes.
“After I tell you of my ingenious plans, you can thank Samuel for approving them.”
Levi stood. “You have my attention,” he said somewhat annoyed, knowing Harrison wouldn’t let up until he agreed to his arrangements. “What is it that you have planned?”
Harrison clapped his arm onto Levi’s shoulder and smiled. “First of all, you will clean yourself up and shave. You must look like the handsome and appealing man Reece will have remembered falling in love with. After that, I will happily divulge my plans to you.”
Levi’s eyes narrowed as he studied Harrison’s smug grin. “I’m not promising you I will agree to your plans. I will not put Reece in an awkward situation merely because I want her back.”
Harrison turned to leave the room. “Just go get cleaned up, and I’ll meet you at the command center.”
Reece exited the shower, forcing herself to go through the motions of another day staying with Simone. She was haunted by the memories of what had happened to bring her to this point. She continually struggled to figure out why she acted out in the manner that she did at the palace. Never in her life had she been so overcome with such powerful, negative emotions. She couldn’t understand why, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t control herself or her reactions.
Thinking back to how hateful she was toward Levi was nauseating. How could she act the way she did with him? She began to wonder what had taken over her because there was no other logical reason for her to behave so hatefully toward everyone, especially Levi.
The strangest part was that everything changed the moment she stormed out of Levi’s room the night before she left. When she walked into her room, for the first time in weeks, Reece could think clearly again. It was like a weight had been lifted, and she had control over her thoughts and actions. That was when Reece realized she had destroyed her and Levi’s relationship, and in the process, insulted everyone in the palace. How could they forgive her for what she did when she couldn’t forgive herself?
The morning she left, she could hardly look Levi in the eye when he helped her into the carriage; the expression on his face validated the fact she could never go back to the palace and face any of them again.
She hadn’t had any bizarre outbursts since arriving at Simone’s house, and all she could think about was Levi and how much she loved him. Her heart ached to be with him again, and the realization that that wasn’t going to happen overwhelmed her with grief. Levi had every right not to forgive her, and frankly, she didn’t expect him to.
She sat and stared at her reflection in the mirror as the tears ran down her cheeks.
“Reece, it has been a week now. I do not believe there has been one day in which you have not shed tears in my presence. If you wish to return to Pasidian Palace, I will arrange for it immediately.”
Reece sniffed and blotted her tears with the handkerchief Jasmeen handed her. “I’ll be okay Jasmeen. After what I did, I don’t think I will ever be welcomed back in the Oxley’s home again. I can’t blame them, either. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“I believe that if you were to return, the reception would be far from what you assume.”
“No, Jasmeen, I can’t. Not right now, anyway. I don’t think I can face any of them yet; not after what I did.” She lowered her head, fighting to restrain tears. “I can’t even imagine what they all must think about me now,” she said remorsefully.
“But Master Levi—”
Reece shook her head. “Please, Jasmeen, I was worse to him than anyone.”
Reece stood and turned to face the young maiden. “I know I was probably difficult for you to deal with at the palace, too; and for whatever it’s worth, I’m sorry for being so rude to you.”
“No apology is necessary.” Jasmeen smiled sympathetically. “We understood you to be ill; that is all. It appears that you have recovered completely, and I suggest you consider going home.”
“I can’t,” Reece said in torment.
Jasmeen gazed at her somberly. “Yes, you can, Reece. That is your home; this is not.”
Reece sighed in frustration. “I don’t know what was wrong with me. Whatever it was, I ruined everything I loved because of it. Sick or not, now I’m here; and I’ll be honest, if all these guards weren’t here with us, I’d be scared to be in this place alone with Simone.”
Jasmeen stared at Reece’s sorrowful expression.
“I don’t know how to make all of this right again.”
“We start by returning home, back to Pasidian Palace.”
Reece sniffed. “I know, but give me some time to build up the confidence to face them again,” she smiled faintly, “then we’ll make our plans to leave this place.”
Jasmeen gave Reece an encouraging hug and their conversation was ended, when Simone arrived early to escort Reece to breakfast.
“I will never understand the relationship you have with that girl,” Simone said, as they made their way to the breakfast room. “It is bizarre that you would befriend your maiden in such a way.”
I find it bizarre that I would befriend you, Reece thought, as she managed to refrain from snapping back at Simone’s rude comment. In Reece’s opinion, she had done plenty of lashing out at everyone these days, and it was best if she kept quiet; but it wasn’t easy, Simone’s friendly personality toward Reece had started to change a few days ago. Simone persistently suggested to Reece they return to the palace; when Reece didn’t agree, Simone seemed to become more agitated. With the stress of coming to grips with what she had done to the Oxleys, and now Simone’s usual pernicious attitude, Reece was barely able to tolerate being in the presence of the woman.
Simone sipped her tea. “Reece, dearest, if you’re ever going to work things out with Levi, you need to get back to the palace,” Simone said, as they sat alone at the dining table.
Where is Samuel? Reece thought nervously. Simone’s father had been in constant company with them, until now. She glanced back and let the four Imperial Guards standing protectively in the doorways give her a sense of security.
“Where’s your father?” Reece asked.
Simone swallowed a bite of her muffin. “He left early for Pasidian Palace.” She rolled her eyes. “And apparently, more Guardians have shown up to protect you from me in his absence.”
“Simone, I know that may annoy you, but you can’t blame anyone for being a little concerned about—”
“I know exactly the world I have created for myself, Reece,” she snapped with a fiery gaze, forcing Reece’s body to become tense. “Forgive me for that,” she said, as her expression softened. “Reece, look around you. This is my life; my sister and Lillian will not speak to me,” she sniffed. “And I miss them dearly.”
Reece felt no sympathy for the woman and was in no mood to listen to her sad story, whether it was true or not. She tried to focus on eating her breakfast, and nearly jumped when Simone rested her hand over hers. “I’m sorry I am in a disagreeable mood this morning. You seem to have been the only one to forgive me, Reece, and I will not ruin our friendship.”
How did I let this happen? Reece thought, absolutely miserable with the idea that her only friends in Pemdas now were Simone and Jasmeen.
“It’s fine, Simone,” she said dryly.
“No, it’s not fine.” Her grip tightened on Reece’s hand, forcing Reece to look up at her. “We must return to Pasidian,” she smiled brightly. “As your friend, I will do everything to help you gain confidence with Levi again. We will fix this, Reece.”
Reece jerked her hand away from Simone. To listen to Simone talk to her like this was more than Reece could deal with right now.
“Simone, please just drop it. I’ll deal with Levi when I’m ready,” she said angrily.
For the last week, Reece was able to control her irritability with Simone, but she was finally reaching her limit. Having to stomach sitting in a room and listening to Simone try and console her was more than she could handle.
“Reece,” Simone said, her eyes wide with shock as she glanced at the doorway behind Reece.
“No!” Reece stood up and tossed her napkin on the table. “I’m done with this conversation. Right now, I don’t know what I’m going to do about anything anymore. When and if I choose to talk to Levi again, I will decide that, not you!”
When Reece turned to leave the room, she nearly tripped over her feet in absolute shock to see Levi standing in the doorway. Of all the times he could show up! This can’t be happening. What did he hear? She knew exactly what he had heard, and what he saw; Reece treating Simone the exact same way she had treated him. She knew she sounded like the psychotic, hateful woman she was at the palace. She was far from that woman now, but how could Levi know the difference after her outburst? Think he’ll believe you when you say you’re sorry now, Reece? Not a chance.
Reece stared at the stunning man in defeat; how could she ever forget how undeniably handsome he was? What a sickening reminder of what she’d lost. How could she make such a fool of herself in front of him like she did? Could she ever find the confidence to apologize to such a noble and dignified man? She noticed that he was wearing one of his pristine suits, the ones he wore when serving on Earth. She swallowed hard at the serene expression he wore on his face. Is he taking me back to Earth?
“Levi, this is indeed a surprise!” Simone said in a voice of excitement, forcing Levi and Reece both to bring their attention to her.
“Simone, if you’ll pardon my interruption, I am here to speak with Miss Bryant.” He looked at Reece. “Miss Bryant, if you would be so kind as to join me on a short walk?” he requested formally.
This is it. He was either here to work things out, or he was taking her back to Earth. The Ciatron were no longer pursuing her, and she believed they could easily send her back to Earth to live under heavy guard. Of course, that was a bit extreme; but with the expression on Levi’s face, Reece understood very well there was nothing positive about his visit. Should she have expected it to be positive, especially after he witnessed her recent outburst with Simone?
Reece went over to him, her heart racing. She tried to think of something to say, but nothing came to her. This could be her only chance to apologize, and she was too mortified to speak a word.
As they left the room, Levi clasped his hands behind his back while walking nobly at her side. “The reasons for my visit today are to inquire about your health, and to see if you are well enough to travel.” Reece closed her eyes, afraid of where they would be traveling to. She had no idea how to ask him what his plans were; it was so frustrating that she was too embarrassed to speak to him now.
She stared up into dark eyes. “I’m feeling fine, thank you. When did you want me to go?”
His eyes studied hers intently before he responded. “Immediately, if that agrees with you.”
“What about Jasmeen?” she asked nervously.
“Arrangements have been made for her to return to Pasidian Palace.”
“Can I tell her goodbye?”
Levi’s brow furrowed in response. “Of course, you may do whatever you wish. Jasmeen will also be preparing you for your departure. I will inform Simone of your leaving with me, and I will be waiting for you in the front courtyard.”
She stared past Levi; should she tell him she was sorry now? Should she say anything to him? She had to admit it; she didn’t have the courage to make all of this right again. Her embarrassment was too great, and it was obvious he wasn’t here to work anything out. “I won’t be long,” she finally answered, and then quickly walked back to the room she was residing in.
When Reece entered the room, Jasmeen was there, ready to help her change for her departure with Levi. She stared at the clothes in Jasmeen’s hands, and swallowed hard. My Earth clothes? Guess I know where I’m going. Reece thought sadly.
Jasmeen said something, but Reece didn’t hear it. She gave the maiden her best smile, and before another exchange was made, she snatched the clothes o
ut of Jasmeen’s hands and went into the other room to change.
Tears poured out of Reece’s eyes as she fought the corset dress, struggling to take it off. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She really was leaving Pemdas, and worse than that, she was leaving Levi.
Jasmeen knocked on the door, “Reece, please allow me to assist you in—”
Before Jasmeen could finish her sentence, Reece had already changed and had opened the door. She smiled at her, gave her a farewell hug, and fled the room.
When she walked out to where Levi awaited her, any hope that she may have had that he might bring her back to Pasidian Palace had vanished. Instead of a carriage waiting for her, it was Levi and Areion.
He stood formally, and his expression was unreadable, making Reece somewhat intimidated to be in his presence.
For the entire time since she had known him, he’d never looked at her in this manner. She recognized that there was no reason left to hope that he would forgive her. Not even now, when it would probably be the last time she ever saw him.
Heartbroken, she couldn’t bring herself to smile at him. She had no idea why it was Levi and not Harrison who would take her back to Earth. He must have been forced to do it, because right now, he seemed as though he wished he could be anywhere else. With all of these insecure thoughts running through her head, her stomach twisted in pain at the realization that it was over. A love that could never be replaced in her heart had ended and she struggled to accept how she would go on without him. How she would deal with such a dramatic and painful change in her life. Her love for Levi was endless and her comfort of living in the captivating domain of Pemdas could never be replaced. How could she ever move on in her life after she returned to Earth?
Levi went through his usual motions of helping her onto Areion, and they were soon swiftly leaving Simone’s home. She wrapped her arms tightly around Levi’s waist, certain that this would be the last time she would have this closeness with him. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against him, savoring these final moments. His fragrance filled her senses, soothing her as it always did. She loved this man with all that she was and now she would never have the joy of spending the rest of her life with him.
