by S. L. Morgan
Navarre clapped Levi on his shoulder. “Both of you, be safe.”
After their farewells, Levi and Harrison rode vigorously back to the palace. Neither man spoke aloud or mentally to each other. Everything about this was strange, but they knew it would soon work itself out, and they would find themselves comfortable in this new reality.
Just as Levi said, they arrived as the sun was rising the next morning. “I desperately wish to see Samuel; however, with all of these emotions flooding through me—” He looked at Levi somberly. “Even though I see Angie alive and well, I can’t so easily erase the images of her tortured and dying in my arms.”
They both dismounted their horses. “I understand,” Levi answered. “Take the time you need.”
“I just need to gather myself before we meet with Samuel. I do not wish to make an utter fool of myself when I see him alive and well again.”
“I have wondered what my reaction would be seeing our commander again as well,” Levi faintly smiled. “You go freshen up. I’ll search out Reece and check on her. We will meet back within an hour to meet with Samuel.
Levi walked toward Reece’s rooms and quietly knocked on her doors.
“Master Levi,” Jasmeen answered. “I trust Princess Elizabeth is well given your early return to the palace?”
“She is,” Levi peered around from Jasmeen. “I am here to check on Miss Bryant and see how she is coping after our abrupt departure.”
“Miss Bryant opted to wear her Earthly clothes and set out a while ago for fresh air,” Jasmeen said with a confused expression on her face. “I am unsure of her whereabouts, but perhaps a servant may be of assistance to you?”
I know exactly where she is at, Levi thought. “Thank you, Jasmeen.
Levi marched directly out of the palace into the back gardens. He followed along the trail, where he found Reece after he and Harrison returned to the palace during this period of time. He slowly stepped along the path and spied Reece at the fence, and without fail Arrow was taken with her again. His heart swelled with love for her, and as he had done in the past, he folded both arms and legs and leaned up against a large tree, admiring the beauty of her and the scene before him. He smiled as he listened to Reece reacquaint herself with the colt before Arrow took notice of him, prompting Reece to turn around.
“This is a familiar sight,” Levi said as Reece ran toward him.
“You have no idea how happy I am that you are back!” Reece said as she collided into Levi’s embrace.
Levi instantly brought his lips down onto hers, and both seemed to lose themselves in their powerful kiss. Reece slowly pulled away and sighed. “How did you know I was out here?” She eyed him, “Is it the same excuse as last time? The weather cooling and you were checking on the horses?”
Levi chuckled. “I cannot believe you fell for that lie even though you did not know me well then.” He took off his great coat and wrapped it around her when a cool breeze rushed up on them. “I simply went through pretty much the same actions I did the last time.”
“And that was?”
“When we returned to the palace, all I wanted was to be in your company. I located the first servant and inquired as to where you were.” He held her close. “It was much easier this time, as Jasmeen notified me you were out in your Earthly clothes for fresh air. I had a sneaking suspicion you went in search of your friend Arrow.”
“I had to.” Reece sighed. “Where’s Harrison?”
“He has had a bit of a rougher time with the jump than we anticipated. He is in the process of pulling it together so that he can greet Samuel properly.”
“I can’t imagine what it was like for him,” Reece said softly. “What about Marian? Have you seen her yet? Your father?”
“Everyone is fine, and Marian is looking forward to being reunited with you. It all seems to be moving smoothly for us, even though Harrison almost blew it last night. Even so, I believe Angeline’s greatest wishes are coming true at an alarming rate, as Harrison practically fully embraced her and offered her a devoted kiss.” He ran his hands along her back. “How are you coping? How did you fare with the jump?”
Reece sighed. “I got screwed.”
Levi refrained himself from laughing aloud. “I understand that you were forced back into the company of Simone. That is why we left as soon as we could, in order to be here with you.”
“It wasn’t that I was in her company, it was that I was with her, Catherine, and Lillian on yet another infamous shopping trip. I forgot how wretched those women were to me. And not to mention jumping from flannel into a corset again was quite an adjustment.”
“Allow me to help erase that traumatizing event,” Levi said as he brought his lips to her neck.
“Traumatizing day, you mean?” Reece said in a hoarse voice.
“I have close to an hour before I meet with Harrison and we report to Samuel.” He offered his arm. “Let us use the seclusion of your secret little spot, to enjoy the company of each other and allow you some more time with your colt.”
Reece smiled. “Sounds wonderful to me. A morning walk with you should help to completely unwind my nerves from having to deal with all of those women again.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
As Harrison descended the steps to the second floor of the palace, a noise alerted him to Levi discreetly leaving Reece’s bed chambers. Harrison crossed his arms as he waited for Levi to take notice of him. When Levi’s eyes met Harrison’s reproachful ones, he subtly grinned in response.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Harrison said in annoyance. “If you were going to check on Reece, you could have made a better effort to leave privately through the servants’ passageways.”
Levi shrugged. “I know what I am doing, and I am quite confident that the gossiping hounds are still preparing for breakfast.”
“Way to keep it low key,” Harrison returned. “I could have been anybody! Levi, we cannot risk anything. Like you informed me earlier, keep your head in the game. You cannot raise suspicion. Act like the gentleman you were then, and do not allow anyone to have any reason to hold a low opinion of Reece.”
“Understood. Give me a few moments to freshen up, and we will report to the command center. Reece and I spent our morning out with the colt, and after our ride—”
“Just go. I will wait for you in your sitting room. I am not willing to be caught alone by those women on their way down to breakfast.”
Harrison waited patiently in Levi’s room, going over ideas in his mind about how they would make plans to stop Simone and Michael.
It wasn’t long before Levi was ready and both men reported to the command center. As they walked in and Harrison caught sight of Samuel, everything he had done to prepare himself for this moment failed him. He was overcome with happiness that their commander was alive again.
“Gentlemen!” Samuel greeted them as they entered. “You both have returned earlier than anticipated. Might I ask why?”
Acting on his emotions, Harrison walked directly to Samuel and brought him into a tight embrace. “Commander, it is so wonderful to see you again,” he chirped.
Samuel tapped Harrison on his side, encouraging him to release his hold on him. “Thank you, Harrison.” He laughed. “That wasn’t quite the greeting I was expecting, but it is always nice to be appreciated, I suppose.”
Harrison continued to study the commander’s face. If only Samuel knew everything that led up to his death in Armedias. Levi stepped past Harrison and reached his hand out to properly acknowledge Samuel.
“Pay him no mind, sir. He hasn’t gotten much sleep since our arrival early this morning,” Levi said as he shot Harrison a glare. “And yes, as you have noted, we have returned early. Can we speak with you in your office?”
Samuel studied both men with some skepticism, cleared his throat, and gestured toward his office. “Certainly. Perhaps we can discuss whatever has the two of you behaving so strangely this morning?”
Stop staring at
the man as if he were a ghost, Harrison.
It is so surreal to see him alive again, Harrison telepathically answered Levi as they followed Samuel into his office.
“Gentlemen, please sit,” Samuel instructed as he sat across the desk from them. He clasped his hands and leaned over his desk. “Please, tell me what you two are concerned about and why you have returned to the palace so early.”
“We believe Reece is in danger,” Levi said.
“What makes you think such a thing? She has been in the ladies’ care, and the guards have not seen anything happen out of the ordinary.”
“We—” Harrison cleared his throat, searching for the right words. “While away in Sandari, word was sent to us that Michael Visor may be planning to reveal that The Key resides with us here in Pemdas.”
“Michael Visor?” Samuel questioned. “Who reported this information to you?”
“Civilians, sir,” Levi interjected. “They overheard Michael speaking treasonous words, and when they discovered Harrison and me in Sandari, they informed us.” Levi exhaled. “Commander, we thought it strange as well; however, I believe that whether or not these are rumors, it is Harrison’s and my duty to protect The Key and ensure her safety at all times.”
“We are here to ask permission to investigate Michael and determine whether or not these civilians were speaking the truth to us,” Harrison added.
“You mentioned that Michael plans to reveal that The Key resides in Pemdas,” Samuel returned. “Do you have any knowledge as to whom he wishes to reveal this?”
“The Ciatron,” Harrison blurted out, prompting Levi to look at him as if he’d lost his mind.
“The Ciatron?” Samuel eyed Harrison suspiciously.
“Sir,” Levi sighed. “It is only speculation on mine and Harrison’s part, but if you were planning on betraying Pemdas by telling anyone that The Key was in Pemdas, wouldn’t the Ciatron be the ones who first came to mind?”
“I never believed these words would come out of my mouth, but—” Samuel paused. “Levi, Harrison, you both sound as if you have lost your minds.”
Harrison leaned forward. “With all due respect, why—”
“Harrison,” Samuel stopped him. “Even if all of this were true, tell me, how is one of our kind able to jump the barriers with treasonous thoughts? We all know a Guardian horse would sense his intentions and not allow that individual out of Pemdas. More than that, the Ciatron would kill Michael for even thinking about entering their realm to speak with them. They are our greatest enemy for a reason, you know?”
Great! He’s not buying any of this! Harrison thought in frustration.
“Very well.” Levi stood. “Maybe we are overreacting. When the emperor returns, perhaps he will consider these possibilities and allow us to investigate this matter.”
“Going above your commander’s head now?” Samuel stood and gazed authoritatively at Levi and Harrison, who was now standing at Levi’s side. “Gentlemen, I am truly at a loss for words.”
“Commander, we do not wish to upset you,” Harrison returned. “I believe what Levi was trying to say is that when the emperor returns, it might be wise for all of us to discuss this with him as well. Together, you and the emperor can decide on whether or not these rumors about Michael are true.”
Samuel nodded as he ran a hand through his hair. “I understand your concern about The Key. As such, we will continue to watch her carefully and ensure that she is safe with us. When the emperor returns, we shall consider whether or not you need to investigate this further.” Samuel shoved his hands in his pocket. “Now, both of you enjoy your reprieve at the palace, and if you truly are concerned for Miss Bryant’s safety, I suggest keeping close company with her.”
The men walked out of the command center in silence. They both turned into the nearest sitting room to privately discuss their failed plans with Samuel.
“That was a complete failure,” Harrison grumbled as he gripped the back of his neck. “I have missed Samuel; however, he is acting like a complete idiot!”
“Perhaps it was your endearing hug that started him questioning our sanity?” Levi responded. He placed both hands on his hips and twisted some to stare out of the window. He exhaled and looked back at Harrison. “Nevertheless, what’s done is done. We must wait for my father to return to the palace to convince Samuel in a much more reasonable fashion that we should investigate this further.”
“And until then?” Harrison questioned.
“We’re stuck awaiting everyone’s return with the ladies.”
Harrison exhaled in frustration. “Splendid!”
Levi gripped his shoulder. “Simone will conspire with Michael. She left the palace the day after I brought Reece to Casititor. Surely, that was the time that she and Michael betrayed Pemdas.”
“We are cutting this way too close!”
“We will stop them. We need to remain calm while we wait. Hopefully, my father returns soon. He is sure to have a better plan for all of this. Until then, try your best to revert back to your usual self and be of good humor. If you remain in this foul and impatient mood, someone is bound to question it.”
That morning, Harrison reluctantly followed Levi to the dining hall for breakfast. He exhaled, closed his eyes, and forced himself into a different mindset.
“Ladies!” Harrison exclaimed jubilantly. “I trust that you all are in high spirits and thrilled to learn that Levi and I have returned to the palace earlier than expected.”
A surge of anger radiated through Harrison when Simone’s gaze fell upon him when he and Levi entered.
“Good morning, ladies,” Levi formally stated as the men took their seats.
“This is a surprise, indeed!” Simone answered. She looked over at Harrison who sat properly at Reece’s side. “I must commend your table manners, Harrison.” She grinned. “I believe this is the first time I have ever seen you sit so formally at the dining table.”
Levi and Reece both glanced at Harrison with concerned expressions. Harrison’s eyes darted back to Simone. “Indeed? I had no idea my table manners were of so much importance to you,” he said as he draped his arm over Reece’s chair and slumped back into his seat.
Simone’s eyes narrowed. “Your behavior is beyond exasperating to me at times.”
Harrison took a sip of his tea. “It couldn’t be anywhere near as exasperating as your opinions are about others and how they choose to enjoy their own lives. Please tell me that you did not drive Miss Bryant mad in our absence with your ill-mannered behavior.”
“Harrison, you are out of line,” his sister demanded. Lillian glared across the table at him. “To insult a woman in such a way is indefensible. Why is it that you believe Miss Bryant would be uncomfortable in our company?”
Harrison laughed. “Oh, I am confident that Miss Bryant has learned a great deal about the wonderful customs of Pemdas while in your company.” He looked over at Reece who remained focused on her plate of food, trying not to react to Harrison’s exchange with the ladies. “Tell me, Miss Bryant, what is your opinion of Pemdas after sharing a few days alone with these three lovely ladies?”
Reece swallowed a bite and stared directly at Simone. “It appears that shopping is a favorite and that my riding horseback to the palace with one of you gentlemen should have been quite the honor!”
Simone’s lethal expression fell upon Reece. “That is all you have learned while in our presence? I shouldn’t be surprised.”
“Simone,” Levi’s voice boomed. “I am certain you are taking issue with our guest from Earth, and I suggest that you change your tone toward her immediately, or you, madam, will be forced to answer to the empress about your manners while in the company of our most esteemed guest.”
Harrison looked at Simone smugly as she paled while staring at Levi in shock. “Forgive me, Levi. I was completely out of line. It is just that Miss Bryant’s opinions of us are quite shocking.”
“Shocking or not, they are her opinions, and bein
g that we know her well from having guarded her on Earth for so many years, I can tell you that she is an excellent judge of character,” Levi responded with authority. “Fortunately, my sister and Angeline Hamilton are returning in the next day or so to keep her company, so this should be a non-issue in no time.”
“You are implying that two simpleminded young ladies are better company for Miss Bryant than we are?” Lillian said with disdain.
Levi’s eyes darkened at the insult Lillian paid his sister and Angeline. “It appears you ladies have forgotten yourselves most profoundly. To insult my sister, the emperor’s daughter, and the daughter of a most beloved King of Pemdas is highly offensive and will not be tolerated.” Levi stood abruptly. “I suggest you ladies take the rest of the day to find the proper words of apology and learn your place while residing in my home.” He looked over at Reece and Harrison and nodded. “You both are free to join me while I dismiss myself from the company of such distasteful behavior.”
Harrison stood and grinned. “Ladies, thank you for destroying what could have been a delightful breakfast.” Harrison reached down for Reece’s hand. “Unless you wish to go shopping and talk about riding horses with men, you are welcome to join us.”
Reece took his hand and gently rose. Harrison could see in her eyes that a million questions were playing in them. He offered a reassuring smile, drew her arm up into his, and they followed Levi out of the room.
No one said a word as they exited the palace and found a secluded location. All three sat on the stone benches, relieved to be out of the palace.
“What’s going to happen now?” Reece asked. “It’s obvious we all can’t be in the same room with those three. Every time I look at Simone, I want to choke her.”
Levi laughed and reached for Reece’s hand. “Do not worry about them. Right now, the only thing they are worried about is being reprimanded by the emperor or my mother and being sent away from the palace. The very fact that I reprimanded Simone and Lillian shall keep them sick with worry about how they behave in our presence again.”
