by S. L. Morgan
He walked over to Reece slowly, and ran his hand slowly across her cold cheek. My love, he thought with despair.
“Did your father suffer much as he lay there dying in your arms?” Michael grinned as he walked down the steps toward Levi, “I can say your darling Reece screamed your name only once before she closed her eyes indefinitely.”
Rage and fury ignited throughout Levi’s body again.
“Pretty strong little thing, she was; but in the end, she was begging me to end her life.”
In that instant, Levi swiftly kicked Michael’s sword out of his grip, and lunged at him. He grabbed his arm, and thrust his elbow across Michael’s jaw. As Michael stumbled backward, he grasped the dagger in Levi’s waistband, pulled it from its sheath, and as the men stumbled to the floor, he plunged it into Levi’s side.
Levi growled as Michael began to twist the blade into his flesh. He gritted his teeth as he rolled away from Michael, and pulled the knife from his side. Michael jumped to his feet quickly and stood over Levi.
“Get up, prince! I know you have more than that within you. Fight!” Michael growled.
Levi slumped over onto the ground, holding his wounded side, when he noticed that the sword he had kicked out of Michael’s hand was within arm’s reach. Levi seized the sword, and at the same time, swept his feet under Michael’s, knocking him to the ground. As Michael rolled over and brought himself onto his knees, Levi plunged the sword through his abdomen.
As Michael lay on the floor, writhing in pain, Levi plucked his dagger from the floor, held it by its blade, and hurled it at Lucas. The blade pierced through the base of man’s neck with such force that it pinned him to his chair. He wrenched the sword from Michael’s lifeless body, and stalked up the stairs toward Simone.
Simone stumbled backwards as Levi approached her slowly. His eyes were wild and fierce, and his voice was deadly.
“I have thought of the many ways I would deal with you once I learned that you had put Reece in grave danger for a second time,” he said as he retrieved his dagger from Lucas’ neck and shoved his lifeless body from his throne onto the ground. He glanced down at Reece’s body, “but it appears that you have already made the decision for me.”
Levi grinned threateningly as Simone panted with fear.
He stared intently into her bewildered eyes. “If you should faint, I will wake you. This will not be a simple death for you, Simone.”
Simone’s lips turned up into a wicked grin. “Levi, who are you trying to fool? You would not take the life of a woman. That is too dishonorable for a man like you.”
Levi pressed his forearm firmly against her throat while he brought the blade in his other hand to softly stroke the side of her cheek.
“Honor? I am grateful you have brought that word up. Would you like to talk about all of the honorable men whose lives have been lost because of your hatred and scheming?”
Simone sneered. “Still dealing with the death of your father, Levi?”
Levi’s eyes narrowed. “Tonight I will return to Pemdas to give my father his final farewell, and I will have to do so for yours as well.”
Tears filled Simone’s eyes.
“How does it feel to know your wickedness caused the death of your own father?” Levi snarled.
Simone shook her head, fighting away her tears.
Levi tilted his head to the side. “I’m surprised to see that you feel any emotion at all,” he snarled through his teeth.
Simone closed her eyes. Levi withdrew the knife, and prepared to thrust it into her flesh.
“Levi?” a soft voice called from behind him.
Levi gasped as he looked at the body lying on the table in confusion.
“Levi…don’t!” Reece called out louder.
With one arm restraining Simone, he turned and saw Reece and Harrison standing at the bottom of the stairs. Reece? It was her, wearing Harrison’s cloak over her ragged, torn dress. Her face was somber, and her eyes were focused on Simone as Reece ascended the steps toward them.
Reece walked slowly and steadily toward Simone with deadly determination. Simone was visibly shaken as Reece approached her.
“Reece, I’m so glad you’re here,” Simone stammered nervously, “Please don’t let Levi harm me.”
“Why shouldn’t I?” Reece responded indifferently, “After everything you’ve done to me, you expect mercy?”
“Reece, please!” Simone begged as she fell to her knees and groveled before Reece. “There have been too many individuals slain today! You are too good of a person to allow the man you love to murder me.”
Reece shook her head in disbelief. “It’s remarkable how fast the tables have turned for you and me, isn’t it?” Reece said as she stared down into the woman’s frantic eyes, “You’re right about one thing, though; I will not allow Levi to have your blood on his hands.”
“Thank you, Reece! I knew you would have compassion for me!” Simone said as she slumped back against the wall.
Reece tilted her head to the side as she studied the woman. “Levi, is there a place where people can be taken to be banished forever and live in misery to pay for the horrific crimes they have committed?”
Simone cried out. “No! Reece! I beseech you, please don’t send me—”
“Indeed, there is; you need only ask.” Levi answered as he sheathed his dagger.
Reece stared down at Simone. “Simone, you’re the embodiment of evil, and you cannot be trusted. You have proven that more than once. Wherever this place is that you are so frightened of, I won’t ask for you to be sent there.”
Simone smiled faintly in relief.
“I will beg for you to be sent there.” Reece finished.
With that, Harrison strode briskly up the steps to where Simone lay on the ground, weeping. He jerked her up by her arm and marched her out of the room.
Levi took off his bloodstained, leather gloves and brought his hands to Reece’s face in desperation. He cautiously ran his long fingers through her hair, and he softly exhaled. He tenderly braced her head in his hands as he stared into her eyes. “My love, you are alive.”
As Reece reached to put her arms around his waist, she saw the blood on his side. “Is this your blood?” Reece asked sorrowfully.
“Yes.” He answered absently, his eyes still gazing into hers. “Do not fear, I’ll be fine.” he said as he embraced her carefully, and buried his face in her neck. “I love you so much. I truly believed I had lost you forever. I am so unbearably happy to have you in my arms again.”
“How did they manage to create a clone of Reece,” Harrison called out as he returned to the room and approached the body on the table to examine it.
Reece shuddered at the lifeless image of herself.
“That is a good question,” Levi responded as he reached down and cradled Reece in his arms, “It is anyone’s guess as to how they could have found a way to create such a thing, but let’s not forget how insane they all were to begin with.”
“Very true,” Harrison agreed as they made their way out of the room.
“Harrison, see to it that the clone is burned along with the castle,” Levi commanded.
“I have already ordered the men to prepare for its destruction once we depart,” Harrison replied.
Reece held tightly onto Levi, resting her head against his chest as the men strode quickly through the halls. When they reached the exit, Reece was astounded by what she saw. The horizon was dark red, and smoke hung heavy in the air. Guardians filled the hillside, milling around an area where it appeared a large battle had taken place. Areion and Saracen were fully armored and stood at the bottom of the steps, waiting patiently for their masters’ return.
“Emperor!” a Guardian called out. “We have been successful, and the remaining Armedite soldiers have surrendered to your command.”
“Very well,” Levi responded. “Your commander will remain behind to ensure that these men are brought to our prison chambers until the Council of Worlds de
cides their fate.” Levi nodded to Harrison, and Harrison quickly fled down the steps with four other men.
Emperor? She thought as she searched for Navarre. As they stepped down the steps to where Areion was, Reece looked up at Levi. “Levi, what’s going on? Where’s your father?” she said, as she studied his dark eyes. His expression was unreadable. “He didn’t…” She choked on her words as tears filled her eyes. No matter how hard she tried to repress her emotions, she began sobbing in Levi’s arms.
Levi gently placed her feet on the ground, and pulled her into an embrace. “My love, please do not shed tears for my father. He would not want that from any of us at this time.”
She looked up at him, and he gently wiped her tears away. He cupped her chin, bringing her eyes up to meet his. “Reece, you must know that my father gave his life for this moment, and we honor him now by bringing you, the Key, back home to safety.”
Reece tried with all her power to hold back her tears as she stared up at Levi. She knew that he needed her to be strong. There would be a time for them to grieve the death of the emperor, but now was not that time.
“Emperor,” another Guardian called out. Reece looked over to find Mark Prather shackled, being held by two tall Guardian warriors. A Guardian horse stood behind him, his reins gripped tightly under his chin by another Guardian. “We found this traitor trying to escape back into Pemdas.”
Reece instinctively shied away from the image of the fiery red-haired man. She buried her face in Levi’s chest seeking refuge in him, and trying to remove the memories of this man assaulting her.
She felt Levi’s body turn rigid when he noticed Reece’s reaction to Mark. “Harrison.” Levi said deeply as he released his hold on Reece. “Stay with Reece while I deal with Mr. Prather.”
Harrison walked over to Reece and braced his sturdy arm around her, lending her the support that her weak legs required.
As Levi walked towards the man, Mark dropped to his knees and looked up into Levi’s eyes, “Imperial highness, I beg—”
“Silence!” Levi ordered as he gazed down at him. “You are a revolting creature. A pathetic coward and a traitor.” Levi knelt down on one knee, grabbed his neck, and brought his eyes to meet his.
Reece could tell he was trying to conceal his hostility toward the man, but from the angle she had standing next to Harrison, and the proximity in which they stood, she could hear every word he said in his low, commanding voice. She pulled Harrison’s cloak she wore around her tightly as she leaned closer into him, unsure of what Levi would do to the man.
Levi pulled his dagger from his sheath and Mark Prather collapsed backward fearfully as Levi brought his blade to Mark’s neck. “Conspiring against your own people was an extremely unwise idea, Mr. Prather.”
“My lord, I beg of you…”
“I have not asked you to speak.” Levi growled. “You will be served the same justice as those traitors who remain alive.” Mark seemed to calm with a loud exhale, only to find the sharp end of Levi’s dagger at his throat. “You have no idea the restraint I am currently using not to end your life at this very moment. You deserve death, but there has been enough blood shed in front of Miss Bryant’s eyes.” Levi pressed the blade further into his throat, “You, Mark Prather, will suffer along with Simone. You will never again see the light of day for the rest of your useless life. Your bed will be that of a stone floor, and you will be left nothing but the thoughts of your greed and treachery against your world.”
Mark’s eyes widened in fear again, “I beg you for death. Please! I cannot be sent to the Isle of Dizlaught.”
Levi stood, ignoring the man’s request and looked at the warriors restraining Mark Prather and the soured horse. “Take the man to the Isle dungeons.” He looked at the men holding the horse as he sheathed his dagger. “Destroy that soured animal, the Pemdai will never fall victim to such a beast again.”
With Levi’s orders, the men departed quickly.
Levi removed his bloodied breastplate and tossed it on the ground. He turned and called for Areion as he approached Reece, “I must get her home,” he said to Harrison as he cradled Reece and helped her into Areion’s saddle. “She must be assessed and given the proper treatment by a physician. I will see you this evening.”
Harrison mounted Saracen, “Your Guardians and I will take care of everything from here.” he said as he turned his horse toward the waiting men.
Levi hoisted himself up onto Areion and held Reece in a tight embrace. She leaned into him, fully content she was safe in his arms again.
He gently kissed her on the forehead, “Let us get you home, love.” He said as the large group of Guardians parted, allowing an open path for Areion to bring Reece and Levi out of Armedias.
Levi:
Levi rubbed his forehead and gripped it tightly. He slumped back into his chair and ran his long fingers through his hair. He gazed at his desk and the papers scattered over it. How long had he been sitting here going over the words he would say to honor his father tonight?
He stood up and walked over to the windows that looked out over Pasidian River, which was carved through the palace’s front lawns. The beautiful scenery was replaced by images that he believed would never leave his mind now.
What am I thinking? What am I doing? Levi thought as he pulled away in the midst of their kiss. What made him believe that he could ever truly love this woman, or that she could be the future Empress of Pemdas? He had to find a way to end this pointless relationship. He didn’t want to hurt her; it wasn’t her fault. She was one of the finest young women of his acquaintance. She had a sweet-natured personality, and she was a beautiful woman; however, Isabelle Hamilton was not the woman for him.
“Levi? My darling, is everything okay? You’ve appeared to be somewhat withdrawn from me this entire visit.” She peered up at him from under her long lashes.
Levi exhaled as she reached for his hands, and he resisted the urge to pull them away from her.
“Forgive me. I am not feeling quite myself these days,” he acknowledged.
She smiled in relief. “Levi, you know I will always love you with everything that I am. I know something more is bothering you. You must learn to open up to me.”
She brushed her soft, delicate fingers along his cheek. Once again, Levi resisted any abrupt movements, for fear of shattering her heart.
She cleared her throat. “You and your family are leaving within the hour to return to Pasidian, and I do not wish for our farewell to be as such. Please, talk to me.” Her voice cracked.
He looked down into her tear-filled eyes and took both her hands into his.
“Isabelle, I do not wish to cause you pain, but I trust that if I do not say this now, I will only bring you further grief.”
She inhaled softly as he continued.
“Forgive me; I do not know how to say any this, for I fear it will sound heartless—”
“Levi, don’t! Please,” she begged him.
“I cannot make you happy, Isabelle. I know that our families want nothing more than to see us married; however, I cannot grant their wishes.”
“What have I done to push you away?”
“You’ve done nothing, Isabelle. I am simply not in love with you.”
The words were harsh, and he knew it. He led her to believe that she had a future with him, but all he was aiming to do was fulfill his duties as the intended ruler of Pemdas.
Tears spilled out of her eyes. Levi sighed, and cradled her in a gentle embrace.
“Isabelle, we are young. We have our entire lives before us. I am only twenty years of age, and you seventeen. I have recently finished my Guardian training, and will begin serving on Earth within the week.”
She sniffed and looked up at him. “Is that what this is about? If it is, I will wait for you. I will wait to start our lives together.”
“I am not ready to commit to anyone or anything. I’ve only ever wished to be a Guardian on Earth. I have selfishly courted you to do what
Pemdas desires of me. I may have to be the emperor someday, and I may perhaps have to marry a woman of royalty, but I do not wish to consider any of those thoughts at this time. Please, you must understand. I don’t not wish for you to waste your youth waiting for a love that may never blossom for you. Find someone who will love you for the wonderful woman that you are, and will be. I am not that man.”
It was finished; however, it wasn’t going to come without a price, and Levi knew it. He avoided the speculative gazes that were cast in his direction as his and Isabelle’s family became aware that Levi had ended his courtship with the Duchess of Sandari. His mother looked at him with concern, yet said nothing. She and his father loaded into their carriage, and soon after, they all departed the Hamilton’s estate.
As he and Harrison rode on horseback alongside the convoy, Levi’s thoughts were elsewhere. He thought about his relationship with Isabelle, and wondered why someone so perfectly suited for him did not appeal to him. His entire life he had been surrounded by ladies who were the picture of sophistication, born and bred to be an emperor’s wife. However, everything about their intentions toward him seemed self-serving. Would it ever be possible to find a woman who would look into his eyes and love him for the man that he is, and not the title he held?
As charming as these ladies were, it was obvious that they were more interested in what they would receive as a result of marrying him, than they were with him. He laughed at himself inwardly, for he knew that the possibility of finding a woman who would love him wholeheartedly regardless of his station in life was probably nonexistent.
“Hey, daydreamer!” Harrison called out, pulling Levi out of his thoughts.
Levi glanced over to find his cousin with a broad grin stretched across his face. “What, Harrison?” He snapped.
