by S. L. Morgan
Reece stared up at him, bewildered. “An army? Why? They can’t come into Pemdas, can they?”
“No, they can’t cross the barriers without our horses. That is why we are unsure about what it is they are planning. We will know more after we return. As of now, my father and Samuel are uncomfortable with you being on Earth, and we must return you to the safety of Pemdas.” He looked at her with a tormented expression.
“Is Armedias the dimension that Michael Visor is in?”
“Yes, and he is leading their army.”
“Why do you think they’re doing this?”
Levi set his coffee mug on the railing and reached for her hand. “We knew something like this would likely happen when we took their priestess into captivity. When we encountered her on Earth, she was very interested in your residing in Pemdas.”
Reece stared out at the ocean. “So they want me?” she looked back at Levi, “Because I’m the Key.” She said dryly.
Levi nodded. “It is why we must return you to Pemdas as soon as possible. We need to come to some form of agreement with Lucas, Armedias’ ruler, as well.”
“So when do we leave?”
“Harrison is in the process of arranging our departure by noon, maybe earlier, now that you are awake.” Levi stared intently at her, and appeared to be troubled by more than he was telling her.
Reece raised her hand gently to his face. “This isn’t what is really upsetting you, is it?”
Levi turned and pulled her into an embrace. “I am concerned for you. It appears that you are happiest on Earth. I fear that everything we went through these past weeks was due to a form of depression from you being forced to reside in Pemdas. I believe the nightmares you were having were a result of that as well. You should be able to have your freedom to return to the world you are most comfortable living in; however, you cannot.” He kissed her softly on her forehead. “You are unable to enjoy an entire week on Earth, and now it is perfectly clear to me that I cannot give you that happiness and freedom if you wanted it. It bothers me greatly.”
She withdrew and smiled at him. “If you must know,” she stood on her toes and kissed him. “I’m excited to go home; and my home is in Pemdas, whether you think I’m comfortable there or not. I really don’t have any desire to live on Earth. Sure, yesterday was wonderful, but only because I was with you. I’m happiest wherever you are, Levi. You have to believe me.”
Levi smiled faintly in return. “It delights me to hear you speak that way. Although, you must promise me something before we depart.”
“Anything.”
He brought his hand to her face, and his eyes were set with purpose. “You need to notify me at once if the dreams return or you start feeling distressed. I know you believe your nightmares were from your experience in the council meeting, but I’m not convinced of that fact.” He exhaled and went on. “The physician that treated you made an excellent assumption in regard to your not eating or resting well. You are not a natural resident of Pemdas, and the fact that you are being forced to reside—”
“Levi, please,” Reece firmly interrupted. “I love Pemdas, and more than that, I love you. Like I told you last night, I promise that I will let you know if the horrible dreams resume, or if I get any weird feelings again. Now, let’s enjoy our last few moments alone before we go.”
Levi brought his chin to rest on top of her head. “I can’t bear to lose you again. More than that, I can’t accept the idea of you suffering.”
Reece ran her hands along his back, “That’s why I’ll tell you if I start to experience anything abnormal. So stop worrying.”
Within the hour, they were in the helicopter on their way to the cars that would take them through the vortex to Pemdas. It was not long before they were on Areion, and riding swiftly up the hill to Pasidian Palace. As the imposing structure came into sight, Reece’s heart raced with anticipation. She squeezed Levi around his waist tightly, and he brought his hand to cover hers as the stallion trotted over the stone bridge and into the courtyard.
As wonderful as it was to see the palace again, Reece was slightly worried about seeing everyone that she had behaved so rudely towards. She wanted to be sure that each person knew that she was regretful for the way she treated them, and hoped they would accept her apology as Levi had. She planned to make amends with the Levi’s family upon their arrival.
Unfortunately, she was unable to do as she had intended. As soon as they arrived at Pasidian Palace, she became sick with a headache so great that she could hardly speak. It overpowered her so quickly that she released her hold on Levi, and fell from Areion when he halted. Fortunately, Harrison had already dismounted, and caught her before she fell to the ground.
The doctor was summoned, and gave Reece a remedy to take the painful effects away. Levi would not leave her side until his mother was present. When Allestaine walked into Reece’s bed chamber, Levi guided her out into Reece’s sitting room.
“How is she feeling?” Allestaine asked with concern.
“She is resting, the physician as given her a remedy that appeared to help the pain subside.” Levi gazed at his mother somberly, “As you know, I am to report to Samuel immediately because of the situation that has arisen with Armedias.”
“Rest assured, I will not leave her side.”
Levi rubbed his forehead, “I have a bad feeling about all of this. She was fine when she was on Earth and as soon as we return to the palace she becomes ill again?”
“Do not worry, we will get to the bottom of this. Go to your meeting, and if she isn’t feeling well when she wakes up, I will send for you.”
“Thank you, mother.” Levi said as he turned and left the room.
After Levi departed, Reece faintly heard Allestaine request for Jasmeen to send for tea. She walked into Reece’s bed chamber just as Reece was starting to sit up.
Allestaine approached her, “How are you feeling darling?”
Reece smiled warmly at her, “Much better, thank you.” She leaned back against her pillows, “I need to apologize for how rude I was toward you and everyone here before I left.”
Allestaine sat on the side of the bed and held her hand, “Do not concern yourself over that, I am thankful you are feeling better.”
Reece glanced around them room, “Where’s Levi?”
“He’s in a meeting with Samuel. If you feel strange in anyway, you must let me know, and we will send for him.”
Jasmeen walked into the bedchamber, “Lady Allestaine, the tea is here, would you care to take it in here or in the sitting room.”
Reece stretched out her arms, “Actually, I’d like to get out of bed.”
Allestaine looked over at Jasmeen, “We’ll take it in the sitting room, thank you.”
As the ladies sat on the sofa drinking their tea, Reece began to tell Allestaine about their vacation in Greece. During their conversation, Reece felt a flood of negative emotions wash over her. This can’t be happening again! Her heart started to race, feeling as though something were taking over her rational thoughts, like before. She began to panic, and abruptly stood up. “I need to see Levi right away! Where is he?” she demanded.
“He’s in Navarre’s office,” Allestaine stood, “Please, sit, and I’ll send for him at once.”
Reece started rubbing her temples; her headache was returning with a vengeance. “There is no time for that. I have to get to him quickly,” she answered, and fled the room before Allestaine could stop her.
Lucas is an absolute fool if he thinks that lining up an army of men on the borders of Armedias is going to force us to turn over their priestess!” Harrison said in annoyance. He looked at Samuel. “Is she working with Galleta at all? She does realize that we’d be more than happy to kick her out of Pemdas after she allows us into her mind to see if she knows where the stone is?” Harrison leaned back and crossed his arms. “This is absurd! Well, what are our plans? Do we just go to war and get this over with?”
“Lucas will not agre
e to a meeting with the emperor. They have no desire to work any of this out,” Samuel added.
“Gentlemen, let us not be too concerned with it all. For now, I want the necessary precautions taken. Reece cannot leave Pemdas until these matters are settled.” Navarre stated.
The men were then interrupted when Reece was announced at the door. Levi stood and as he approached her he noticed a look of rage in her eyes.
“What has happened?” Levi asked.
Reece reached out to him. “I need to speak with you this instant!”
Her tone was firm and direct, and Levi would not argue. He looked back at the men, and they nodded in acceptance of his early dismissal. He turned and led Reece from the room.
“Is everything okay? Why did my mother not send for me?”
Reece ignored his question, “Levi, you have to get me out of here!” she said fearfully, “It’s happening again, and this time I don’t know how much longer I can control it. I have to get outside or something.”
Reece clenched his hand as she walked out of the palace at a rapid pace. She sat down on a bench in the gardens, and tightly pressed her hands to each side of her head.
“Is your head bothering you again?” Levi sat next to her and brought his hand to her forehead, but she flinched away.
“It’s happening again,” she growled.
“What’s happening, Reece?” he reached for her hand and she jerked violently away. “You need to talk to me, love. Have the dreams returned?”
She started sobbing. “No!” she snapped. “I’m having the same feelings that I had before I went to Simone’s house. Is she here? Could she have something to do with this? I don’t want this to happen again, and this time I recognize it. We were wrong, it wasn’t the dreams—it’s not depression—it’s something else!” She looked up at him with fear in her eyes. “Levi, I don’t know how much longer I have until it completely takes over my mind again!”
Levi stared at her, struggling to make sense of everything she was trying to tell him.
“Simone is not here; however, she will be by nightfall. Samuel has sent for her, as he will not return home until the Armedites retreat.”
“Then why is this happening to me? Levi, please help me.” she groaned.
Levi’s heart pounded against his chest. Reece’s demeanor appeared to be changing by the minute. He had no idea how to fix this, or where to begin to help her.
“Levi! Answer me!” Reece shouted.
“We must send for Galleta, hopefully she can read into your mind and figure out what’s causing this. It’s the only way I know to help you.”
Reece rubbed her face in agitation. “Then call for her, now!” she snarled.
Levi escorted her back to her room quickly, and sent for Queen Galleta. Reece had become seemingly agitated by Levi’s presence, so he suggested she take something to settle her nerves. It was not long after Reece took the remedy that she fell asleep.
Galleta arrived within the hour and met Levi in Reece’s bedchamber.
Levi stood from the chair by her bed, “Should I wake her?” he asked.
Queen Galleta studied Reece for a moment. Levi observed the queen’s expression change to that of disbelief. She looked at him somberly. “No, allow her to rest. I will speak with you in the other room.”
As they made their way back into Reece’s sitting room, Navarre, Allestaine, Elizabeth, and Harrison were already there, quietly waiting. Navarre and Harrison stood as Galleta and Levi entered the room. Galleta sat on the sofa. “Something has changed within her mind since I last met with her. I do not know what is causing this. What is strange is that I am seeing into her mind, but her thoughts don’t appear to be her own. Her mind was projecting dark emotions and thoughts into mine. I’ve never encountered such a thing.”
Levi ran a hand through his hair as he turned to stare out of the windows. “Then why was she not this way when we were on Earth?” He looked at Galleta. “She was perfectly fine there.”
“That is interesting to know; but, you need to understand, Reece’s mind is blocking me. Her mind will only reveal certain things. When I try and read past this, all I see is darkness. You must allow me some time to decipher what is happening. Unfortunately, I cannot make any conclusions at the moment.”
“We may not have enough time!” Levi said in a raised voice. “I will not allow Reece to be in agony like this again!”
Navarre stood. “Galleta, take the time you need.” He looked purposefully at Levi. “We will figure this out, but we will not pressure Galleta.”
Levi mirrored his father’s authoritative expression. “I will not allow her to suffer like this.”
Harrison laughed softly, cutting through the tension of the moment. “Levi, if this is all about to go down the way it did before we brought Reece to Earth, then you know very well that we will be the ones who suffer the most. You are just going to have to get a grip on your emotions now. As you are well aware, she will despise you the greatest.”
“Harrison is correct. Please, be patient as I go over all of this. I will work as quickly as I can.”
Galleta stood and prepared to leave the room. Navarre, Allestaine, and Elizabeth escorted her out, leaving Levi and Harrison alone in the sitting room.
Levi sat on the sofa, leaned forward, and dropped his head into his hands. He exhaled, troubled by the lack of answers from Queen Galleta.
“I am unsure if I can endure this again. I cannot describe the distress it brings me knowing that I cannot help her.” He shook his head. “Harrison, if she was not feeling this on Earth, then the only answer is to bring her back. I would find a way for us to live there safely. However, because of the current situation in Armedias, I cannot do that for her.”
“Don’t let your emotions overrule your common sense. The answers are before you already. You understand that Reece loves you, and that is all that should matter. Until we find a way to fix this, you’re going to have to endure it.”
“You’re right.”
Harrison grinned. “I know. You must realize that Reece is unique, Levi. What happened with you inheriting the imprint of the map from her was quite phenomenal, so we shouldn’t be that shocked that it had some sort of effect on her. We’ll find a way to help her, you must have patience.”
Levi nodded in agreement.
Harrison stood, and Levi did as well. “Until then, let us return to our meetings. Unless, of course, you want to be here when she wakes and despises you once again?”
“I will stay with her. If Samuel needs me, send for me.”
“Very well. I wish you luck, my friend.” Harrison clapped Levi on the shoulder. “In time, it will all be okay,” he said, before turning to leave.
When Levi walked back into Reece’s room, he was startled when he saw the expression on her face. She was sitting up in bed, staring at nothing. When she noticed him in the doorway, her expression darkened with hatred.
Her eyes were black with anger; however, she managed to smile at him. She fidgeted with her hands wildly, and appeared to be in distress.
“How are you feeling?” he inquired softly, unsure of how he should approach her.
She stared at him for a moment. “I’m better than before, I think. My mood is shifting constantly, though. One minute I feel normal, and then out of nowhere, I am anxious and angry.”
“And now?” he asked apprehensively.
She tried to calm her fidgeting hands. “Scared to death.”
Levi approached her hesitantly; but when she opened her arms to receive him, he joined her on the bed.
“Please sit with me. I don’t want to get out of bed. I don’t want to see anyone. I really don’t want you to see me like this, but I need you. I don’t want to be alone with this darkness in my mind.”
“Darkness in your mind?” Levi questioned in confusion.
“Don’t ask me to explain it. Please, just stay with me.” She said anxiously.
“Is there anything I can get you to make
you more comfortable?” he offered, unsure of what could help her at this point.
“No.” Her face was fraught with desperation. “I only want you with me.”
Levi brought his arm around her and she leaned into him closely. Levi could feel the tension in her as she held him tightly. Her arms were rigid as her fingers clenched his sides; he massaged his hand along her arm, hoping it would help her relax.
“Levi—you would never hurt me, would you?”
“What?” he said as he glanced down at her in shock. “Reece, no! Why would—”
“You wouldn’t?” She asked as her voice trembled.
“I would never consider such behavior toward you. Why is it that you would think that I would ever harm you?”
Her grip tightened and entire body shuddered. “I had another dream about you.”
“You have to understand, I would never hurt you, my love.” He said, holding her closer. “Are these the dreams that you spoke of?”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “They don’t seem as scary this time though. What’s strange is that I have an irrational sense of lingering fear. I’m terrified, but I don’t know why.” She rubbed her forehead. “I need you to help me.”
Reece began to cry, and Levi ran his hand over her hair. “Tell me what you need me to do. I’ll do anything.”
She sniffed. “I don’t know how much longer I can handle being this close to you,” she said in a shaky voice. Her fingers dug into his side and she moaned. “You can’t leave me. I need you to help me. I’m so scared.”
Reece suddenly jerked away from him and pressed her fingertips into her forehead so tightly that they turned white. “Oh—my head; it’s killing me.”
“Let me get you different remedy for that.”
He moved to get off the bed, and she grabbed him in a panic. “NO! You can’t leave me. It’ll go away. Promise you won’t leave me.”
