by S. L. Morgan
“I will report to the command center tomorrow. I demand to be a part of the search.”
Harrison laughed. “Nice try, wise guy. With the memories you currently possess, you have never even visited Earth. You must be trained first, and after that, we can determine if you can be of assistance in the search.”
Levi shook his head. “When can we start the training?”
Harrison pulled himself up from his desk and gripped Levi’s shoulder. “When the emperor believes you are in the best state of mind to do so.” Harrison proceeded to lead Levi out of his office with him. “Until then, I believe a group of lovely ladies would appreciate our presence.”
Levi shrugged Harrison’s hand off him. “Enjoy your time with Angeline. I should like some time away from the palace to think about the things we have discussed.”
“Horseback ride?”
Levi nodded.
“Some things never change,” Harrison answered with a shrug of his shoulders.
“I am happy to hear after nine years I still enjoy finding respite by horseback.”
More like escape! Harrison thought. “Levi,” Harrison said, stopping him. “I believe it would be best if you do not run away from the person who is concerning you most.”
“You do not understand.”
“I’m not trying to, but I do know you fell in love with her, and you need to spend time with her so you can appreciate why you did.”
Levi looked past him. “I am not ready for that. It is obvious there are more serious issues to attend to than my love life.”
Without another word, Levi turned and briskly strode away from Harrison.
“If only Areion would kick him in the head to jar his memories back,” Harrison softly said as he proceeded in the direction of Navarre’s office.
Chapter Two
Reece walked down to the horse stables to check on the colts Levi had given to her before he lost his memories. Over the last week, Reece struggled to maintain her confidence in front of Levi. After their confrontation in the sitting room, Levi did the opposite of what Reece had asked of him. Instead of questioning her privately about their relationship, he never questioned her at all.
Her heart felt shattered into a million pieces, and she was missing the man she fell in love with beyond all belief; but with the encouragement from the family, and mostly from his closest friend, Harrison, Reece pressed on.
Levi’s appearance had changed drastically along with his personality. His hair was cut short, leaving no signs of the natural curls that were present when his hair was longer. His expression was always somber and unyielding. Seeing him and knowing he didn’t know her, let alone love her, was excruciating. She was lonely, heartbroken, and the void of losing him felt like a bottomless pit. The only thing she knew to do to survive was to suppress her feelings of anguish and find happiness in whatever she could.
Every morning when she awoke in their large, empty bedchamber, instead of glancing over to where Levi once slept, she brought her thoughts elsewhere. She rubbed her stomach and cheerfully greeted the baby growing within her. She focused on everything positive in her life. She had wonderful friends, family, and tonight, Harrison and Angeline would finally move forward and have their small commitment ceremony.
“Lady Oxley,” Javian called out as she arrived at the stables, “the foals are in the meadow with their mother. They are not far, and I am confident when they see you, they will happily join you.”
Reece smiled as Arrow approached the rail. “Thank you, Javian,” she said as she stepped through the fence and handed Arrow an apple. Without hesitation, Areion was boldly trotting over to her, looking for his treat, too.
Once in the meadow, she handed Areion an apple and spotted the two colts out in the distance. Both of their heads shot up as Reece walked toward their location, with Areion and Arrow following closely behind. The two foals jubilantly galloped over to where she stood among the massive stallions.
Reece giggled as the colts nipped at her dress and nosed the pocket where she had small fruit to offer them.
“You crazy little things!” Reece said as she handed them their fruit. She was distracted when Areion let out a grunt and stepped past her.
“Good afternoon,” Levi said as he approached her. He smiled at her subtly. “I hope I did not startle you.”
“You have always had a way of doing that.” She laughed, remembering all the times Levi would pleasantly approach her unannounced in the past.
Levi’s brow furrowed. “I must sincerely apologize for my rude behavior in front of the guests in the sitting room, and I apologize that it has taken me this long to approach you about it.” He shook his head. “It was extremely uncalled for, and I believe my difficulty adjusting has put me at a disadvantage to do anything properly at this time.”
“I understand. The entire situation is extremely difficult for me too,” she answered as the young foals nudged her empty pocket, distracting her thoughts.
Levi smiled. “It is truly amazing not only to witness a Guardian horse allow you to master him, but—”
“To watch the young Guardian horses take an interest in me like this?” Reece finished his sentence with a laugh.
“Yes.” Levi tilted his head to the side. “Harrison informed me our minds are somehow connected. Are you able to read my thoughts?”
“No,” Reece answered with a simple smile. “I was only able to speak to you telepathically by forcing my thoughts into your mind.”
“Are you still able to do so?”
It is nice to finally have a conversation with you, Reece thought.
Levi remained silent.
“Anything?” Reece asked.
“No. What did you try to communicate?”
“It is nice to talk to you.”
Levi shoved his hands in his pockets, and to Reece’s surprise, he grinned in response. “Yes, I feel the same; however, I must be on my way. I am meeting with the family to whom I will be donating the two foals. I do not hope you have become attached to them as of late.”
Reece’s heart sank. She wanted to lash out at him and beg for the Levi she knew to come back to her, but she refrained from doing so; instead, she forced a smile on her face. “Unfortunately, I have.” She sighed. “Before we left to rescue your father, you gave them to me.”
“Reece—”
“No, I understand, Levi. One of the reasons I fell in love with you was because of your generosity toward others. I will miss them, but I think they will grow to be great Guardian horses and serve our Pemdai warriors fearlessly.”
Levi nodded. Before he could respond, Reece gathered her dress. “I really should get back to the palace. Tonight will be a beautiful night for Harrison and Angeline, and I am excited to spend the afternoon with the ladies as we await this event.”
“Very well, then,” Levi answered as Reece turned to leave. “Miss Bryant.” He closed his eyes and exhaled. It was most likely because he referred to her by her previous name instead of her married one.
Well, I used to be. She offered him a warm smile. “Go on.”
He stepped toward her and reached for her hand. To feel the touch of his skin against her flesh sent a violent shiver down her spine. It was evident Levi noted her reaction, yet he continued to warmly keep her hand within his.
He looked sorrowfully into her eyes. “I must admit, this has been one of the most difficult times I have ever endured. I am fully aware you and I have a history together, which you remember and I am at a loss. I humbly ask you forgive my calling you by a name that is no longer yours.” His eyes pleaded with hers, “Will you please tell me how I referred to you before?”
Reece’s lips twisted. My love, my wife, Mrs. Oxley, she thought as she tried to answer Levi with words that would not scare him off.
It was obvious, and she saw it in his eyes, he held no affection toward her. It felt as though this interaction was Levi trying to be honorable and responsible for accepting her, even though he didn't love her.
&nbs
p; Just treat him like it’s the first time you’ve met.
“If you are comfortable with it, I think you might just call me Reece.”
Levi’s brow knitted, and his expression grew dark. “Was I this informal with you before?”
“No,” Reece answered. “But I understand too much information can be overwhelming.”
“Please,” he said longingly, “I need to know the man I was to you. I know how difficult this is for me, and so I cannot imagine what you must be going through.”
“After you first admitted your feelings for me, you referred to me as ‘My Love.’” She watched Levi’s complexion pale some. “You asked,” she said with a laugh.
Levi nodded, “Indeed. I must know.”
“Oh? Because you look as though you might pass out at any moment, so I think sticking with Reece, for now, should be the way to go.”
“Is it your wish that I refer to you as Mrs. Oxley when we are in the company of others?”
Reece nodded. “Whatever is comfortable to you.”
“I believe it is proper.”
As much as Levi was trying, their conversation was awkward and making her extremely uncomfortable. This entire situation was wearing on her nerves, and she missed her Levi so desperately that talking to this stranger was beginning to make her nauseated. She had to leave before her emotions gave her away completely, and the tears that were starting to surface would betray her confidence.
“As I said, whatever you are the most comfortable with.”
“Very well, Reece.” He offered her a tiny smile and released her hand. “I do hope you will not harbor any hard feelings toward me for donating the colts.”
I’ve got to get out of here! “None.” She managed to smile. “They are your horses now, and you may do whatever you wish with them. Now, if you will excuse me, I really need to check on the ladies.”
Levi nodded. “I shall see you this evening.”
Reece turned. “Until then,” she said smartly as she quickly left the stables.
That evening, Reece walked with Elizabeth into the room arranged for Harrison and Angeline’s commitment ceremony, and she quickly learned why Levi insisted on giving her a traditional ceremony from Earth.
She gazed around the room, seeing it was only Harrison’s, Angeline’s, and Navarre’s families present. The sofas were removed, giving standing room for all guests. Navarre stood in the corner of the room, with the corner windows behind him displaying the lush and glowing nature of the palace’s front gardens. The guests each held a celebratory drink in their hand, waiting for Harrison and Angeline to arrive.
Once the couple entered the room, Navarre raised his glass. “Family and friends, please acknowledge our guests of honor.”
Reece followed everyone by raising her glass of sparkling juice toward Harrison and Angeline. Harrison’s smile matched Angeline’s, and it was obvious the young couple had waited long enough to finally commit their lives to each other.
Reece subtly eyed Levi as he stood next to his father. He had an amused expression as he watched Harrison and Angeline take their places in front of Navarre with Elizabeth and Levi to each of their sides.
Navarre handed Harrison and Angeline each a chalice and smiled. “Harrison James Oxley, you have expressed that Angeline Sena Hamilton is the only one woman with whom you wish to share your life. We are here to witness you commit your personal words to her and humbly offer yourself to her as her husband.”
Harrison and Angeline turned to face each other. He smiled as he let out a breath. “Angie, you of all people know I am not one with the talent to express my love for you properly. I beg of you to accept me as your husband even if I speak the wrong words to prove my love to you.”
Angeline softly laughed. “If you said anything too formal and romantic, I would question whether or not this was a lie.”
Harrison smirked. “Angie, before I realized what love really was, I was a man filled with arrogant opinions on the subject. I was so desperately wrong, and I know there is no other woman out there who would have ever brought this to my attention except for you. You have utterly bewitched me in the most surprising of ways, and I wish nothing more than to commit my entire life to you as your husband if you’ll have me?”
Navarre’s lips tightened as he brought his attention to Angeline.
Angeline placed her hand on Harrison’s cheek. “I believe I have waited my entire life to answer this question of commitment from you. Yes, Harrison James Oxley, I accept your promise and your request to become my husband.”
Navarre raised his glass. “To celebrate Angeline’s acceptance of Harrison’s commitment.”
The entire group raised their glasses and took a sip of their wine. Reece practically choked on her juice when her eyes locked with Levi’s and a familiar smile was directed toward her. After a simple wink, Levi brought his attention back to Navarre.
Reece felt the heat in her cheeks, and adrenaline was coursing through her body after seeing Levi respond to her like that for the first time since she’d lost him. She turned to find Isabelle standing just off to her right.
Don’t even go there, Reece, she thought as she wondered who Levi had truly offered the gesture to.
She ignored her insecure feelings as she listened to Angeline profess her love and commitment to Harrison.
“So with all of this said, and knowing I cannot wait another moment to become your wife, will you, Harrison James, accept me as your wife?”
A kiss replaced words, forcing the room to erupt into laughter. Harrison stepped back. “Yes, my lovely Angeline. With everything I am, I accept you as my wife.”
Navarre grinned at Harrison. “A little hasty this evening?”
“Just wanting to move things along more quickly for the sake of the guests,” he laughed.
“As His Grace commands, please, seal your words with a toast. To the bride and groom,” Navarre said.
Angeline and Harrison tipped their glasses together, took a sip, and Harrison wasted no time handing his chalice to Levi, prompting Angeline to do the same.
“The moment you have been waiting for, Harrison,” Navarre spoke out. “With confirmation by your emperor, you may openly seal and close out your commitment ceremony with a kiss,” he finished with a wink.
Harrison brought Angeline tightly into his arms, lifting her feet from the ground as his lips, once again, secured a kiss.
Reece watched Angeline run her fingers through Harrison’s hair, remembering and aching to share a moment like this with Levi again. Their kiss was halted when Navarre cleared his throat.
“Shall we open these windows and send you both off on your vacation this instant?” He laughed before bringing his attention to everyone in attendance. “Raise your glass to acknowledge The Duke of Vinsmonth, Harrison Oxley, and the Duchess of Sandari, Angeline Hamilton, are now one in the same. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison James Oxley are now husband and wife.”
The group once again toasted the couple and cheered with acceptance of Harrison and Angeline’s union.
Reece stood back and allowed the family to greet and express their joy to Harrison and Angeline. She sipped on the delicious juice and looked around, hoping to find the next servant to ask for another glass.
“Darling, you look unwell. Perhaps you would like some tea?” Lady Allestaine suggested as she approached Reece.
“I’m fine, just thirsty.”
Lady Allestaine eyed her glass. “That juice has a tendency to encourage thirst rather than quench it. I will send for some tea to ease your thirst.”
“I’ll be fine.” Reece smiled.
Lady Allestaine looked over to Levi, who was in a lively conversation with King Hamilton, King Nathaniel, and Navarre. “It appears as though Levi has reverted to his old ways again.” She turned to Reece with a freshly poured cup of tea brought over by a servant. “How are you faring these days? We know this is difficult for our son, but you are our daughter as well, and we also know this is difficult for yo
u also.”
Reece took a sip of the hot tea. “It’s definitely not easy, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help him find his way back to me.”
Lady Allestaine took Reece’s arm and pulled her to a more secluded location in the room. “Allow Navarre and me to speak with him. Levi is mentally at an age where he concerned himself more with the opinions of his father and duty to his future position as emperor than anything else. I know these are the issues he battles.”
“Please, just give him time,” Reece answered. “As desperately as I want someone to wave a magic wand over his head and give his memories back to him, I don’t want him to feel forced to be with me.”
“Has this worked so far? Have you to been able to talk about anything?”
No, Reece thought, becoming agitated. “When we have discussed things, I have learned to allow him to ask questions. He seems a bit timid by some of the answers, but sometimes it feels like I may be getting through to him.”
Lady Allestaine smiled sympathetically at her. “I am no fool, dear one. Navarre and I will keep our distance, but we will not allow Levi to drive you away either. He was a much different person at this age, and it took guarding on Earth becoming his highest priority to help encourage his new outlook on life.”
“For now, I’m hoping something will jar his memory.” She shrugged. “Any memory, I really don’t care. I just don’t want to pressure him or have him pressured too much after everything he has been through.”
Lady Allestaine’s lips tightened. “We will honor your wishes; however, you should know I have never been one to enable or patronize my children’s behavior when I understand it’s out of line and character for them.”
At that moment, Reece and Lady Allestaine both watched Levi approach Tomas and Isabelle. He properly greeted Tomas, and Reece didn’t fail to notice some form of longing in his eyes when he greeted Isabelle.
“That,” Lady Allestaine started, “had better not become a problem.”
Reece subtly grinned. “I could not agree more.”
“Levi,” Lady Allestaine called out.
