The Reckoning

by S. L. Morgan

  Reece went to speak, but Levi spoke first. “That sounds to be a fine idea. I believe Lizzy departs with her tutor next week. Although, I must request something from you, as I know exactly what kingdom she will be visiting.”

  “Anything.”

  “Wait a minute,” Reece interrupted. “I don’t mean to rain on anyone’s parade, but we have hardly spent any time together, Marian.”

  “I understand, Mother, but I will not be gone too long. I really want to go.”

  Reece sighed as Levi’s lips tightened in humor. “Okay, then. If it is that important to you, you may go; however, I will miss you very much.”

  “Mother please, you must know that I will miss—”

  “Marian,” Levi smiled, “do not worry so much. I will keep your mother distracted while you travel abroad.” Levi smiled down at Reece. “I suppose this would be an excellent opportunity for a vacation anyway.”

  “It looks like we’ll be getting that second honeymoon after all.” Reece smiled as she looked to Levi.

  Marian impulsively hugged Reece, then stood on her toes and placed a soft kiss to Levi’s cheek. “Thank you so much. I must go tell Lizzy this instant!”

  “Marian!” Levi called out with a laugh, stopping the overjoyed young woman from racing back up to the palace.

  “Yes, Father.”

  “As I was saying earlier, I have a request of you.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You will be visiting the kingdom where Caleb is currently residing. Will you ensure that Lizzy doesn’t fall head over heels for him during your stay? She is still quite young.”

  Reece nudged Levi in his side. “Marian, ignore your father. He had difficulty accepting their courtship the first time.”

  “Reece, my sister is only sixteen years of age.”

  “And?”

  “She is too young to be distracted by a relationship.”

  “Really?” Reece returned dryly. “I hate to bring this up, but I had my first boyfriend and my first kiss when I was fifteen years of age,” Reece mocked. “It didn’t distract me from my grades or school. I say let fate take over. Caleb and Lizzy are meant to be.”

  Levi unexpectedly grinned. “You are correct.” He looked at Marian. “Perhaps you will be guarded with your feelings toward young men, and unlike your mother, wait until you are at least thirty years of age before finding a man that will suit you.”

  “Father!” Marian said in disillusionment.

  “Very well, forty years of age.” Levi laughed.

  “Marian, go inform Lizzy of your news. I’ll deal with your overprotective father.”

  With a smile, Marian gathered her dress and ran back up to the palace.

  Levi turned to Reece and studied her for a moment. “First kiss at fifteen, eh?”

  Reece decided to play along. “And I was an expert by my sixteenth birthday. Jealous?”

  Levi’s lips tightened, but Reece could see the humor in his eyes. “Jealous? No. I have already witnessed your dating experiences while guarding you on Earth.”

  Reece lifted her chin. “Oh? And what are my husband’s opinions about that?”

  “I felt sorry for the poor fellows. They did not have the proper techniques in place to captivate you as I did.”

  Reece laughed and wrapped her arms around Levi’s waist. “You’re pretty arrogant, you know?” she said before she kissed his chin.

  Levi swept a strand of hair from her forehead. “When it comes to you loving me, how can I not be? I am the luckiest man in Pemdas and on Earth for gaining your trust and love.”

  They were interrupted when Javian approached. “Master Levi?”

  “Yes, Javian, is the trainer here?”

  “Yes. He is ready to transport Arrow and the other colts to their training arena.”

  Levi released Reece. “Say your farewells to your young friend.”

  Reece walked back toward the fence where Arrow was nibbling at the green grass that had grown up along the pole.

  “Hey, boy,” she said, prompting Arrow’s head to dart up. She scratched under his chin. “Enjoy your training, and get ready for me, because when you get back, I’m going to want to ride you.”

  Arrow’s golden eyes glistened, and he let out a soft whinny. Reece glanced back at Levi. “See. I told you he’s already excited about my riding him.”

  Levi shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded toward Javian. “You may want to get him out of here before Reece starts bribing this colt with treats again. It appears I am going to have my hands full with both of them when he returns home.”

  Reece refrained herself from rolling her eyes at Levi and Javian, who laughed in unison. One last pet to Arrow and Reece took Levi’s offered arm to resume their walk to the palace.

  Instead of the usual dinner that evening, a special reception was arranged to welcome Harrison and Angeline home. The Hamiltons were in attendance, along with Harrison’s family and a few kings who lived close to the palace. Reece inwardly laughed when she noticed Caleb among a group of young men standing off in a corner, and as fate would have it, his eyes were locked on Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked positively radiant in her exquisite blue and white lace gown, and Reece understood why Levi’s arm tensed.

  Reece ran her fingers along his flexed bicep. “My love,” she started, instantly bringing his attention to her, “is there something wrong?”

  Levi pursed his lips and shot her a knowing look. “It appears that my sister has already caught the eye of Mr. Evans.” He glanced around the room. “Why is he here? The kingdom his brother rules is one of the farthest from Pasidian.”

  “That is because he has returned from assignment on Earth with Julian,” Harrison announced as he brought an arm around Levi’s shoulder and took a sip of wine.

  A servant approached with a silver tray carrying wine glasses, and Levi did not hesitate to snatch a chalice for himself and request a hot cup of tea for Reece.

  Levi took a large gulp. “That doesn’t answer my question. Sure he has returned from assignment, but so have other Guardians.” He looked at Harrison with reproach. “I do not see any of them in attendance.”

  “Relax, Levi,” Harrison said as he nodded toward Elizabeth. “I invited him. We both know that—”

  “Elizabeth is still quite young! She was seventeen years of age when she first declared their courtship. She was nearing the end of her studies at that time. She does not need the distraction of a man at this time in her life.”

  Harrison sighed and slanted his eyes down at Reece. “If he overreacts this way about his sister, I am dreadfully sorry for Marian when she—”

  “All right, enough,” Levi grumbled. “I am aware of everyone’s opinion of my concerns about my sister.” Levi’s features softened. “Let us change the subject, shall we?”

  “Yes,” Reece spoke up as she took a hot cup of tea from one of the servants. “Where’s Angie? I can’t wait to learn about how she felt visiting Earth for the first time.”

  “It was quite the experience.” Harrison glanced back at the entryway. “She should be arriving momentarily. She and her mother—” Harrison stopped mid-sentence, and his eyes widened. “Excuse me, I believe my lovely bride has arrived.”

  Reece looked up at Levi, who was now glaring across the room. Her eyes followed his to see that Caleb and a group of young men were in conversation with Elizabeth, Marian, and Isabelle Hamilton.

  She gripped Levi’s arm. “You need a change of scenery.” Reece sighed, watching the usual twitch in Levi’s cheek that occurred whenever he was highly agitated with something. “Levi!” she snapped under her breath.

  Levi blinked a few times and looked down at Reece. “Forgive me.”

  “If this is bothering you so much, why don’t we join them?”

  “I prefer to keep my distance from Miss Hamilton.”

  “You’re being completely ridiculous. You need to get over this and quick.”

  Levi took another sip of his wine and forced a sm
ile on his face. “Forgive me. You are correct. We have a special announcement to make, and I believe I should be more focused on that instead.”

  Reece leaned into her husband. “Thank you. You know how this all works out in the end. Don’t forget it was Caleb who saved my life and helped save all the Guardians at the fortress, it was Caleb who consoled your sister when you were under Mordegrin’s curse, and more importantly, Caleb gave his life to jump through time with Marian to keep her safe.”

  Levi studied Reece, and his eyes sent tremors through her body. He brought his hand to her cheek. “Thank you for always reminding me of what is truly important. I promise you that I will not bring this issue up again.”

  “Even if she becomes sixteen and pregnant?” Reece teased.

  Levi shook his head. “Reece, I am really trying here. You should—”

  “Reece, Levi,” Angeline spoke as she and Harrison arrived. “It is truly wonderful to see you again.”

  Reece embraced Angeline. “How was your trip to Earth? Was it everything you imagined it to be?”

  “That and more.” She looked up into Harrison’s eyes. “I must say that I was most fortunate to witness first-hand how my husband served to guard on Earth while protecting The Key.”

  Reece and Levi looked at Angeline in confusion.

  “Did you encounter trouble while on Earth?” Levi asked Harrison speculatively.

  “Nothing out of the ordinary.” Harrison looked somberly at Levi. Reece looked to both of the men as their eyes began to shimmer.

  Telepathy? Thanks for the insight, boys, Reece thought with curiosity.

  “Reece,” Angeline said with excitement. “Come. I must tell you all about it. I know Lizzy will be thrilled to learn about our visit to Earth as well.”

  Levi nodded toward Reece but said nothing as she and Angeline left the area. “Is there something I should know, Angie?” she whispered.

  Angeline gave her a concerned look but quickly recovered. “Not at all. You know how quirky Harrison can be, and I do not wish to stand around while he and Levi discuss military matters telepathically. Besides, I am curious as to why Caleb and these young princes are surrounding Lizzy, Marian, and my sister at the moment.”

  Reece sat with Marian, Lizzy, and Angeline while Angeline spoke excitedly about the places Harrison had taken her to on Earth. Reece was so lost in the conversation that she nearly jumped when Levi put his hand on her shoulder.

  “The orchestra is preparing to play, and my mother wishes us to share a dance with Harrison and Angeline in celebration of both our marriages.” Reece took Levi’s offered hand as the walls of the room began filling with onlookers who were in attendance.

  “I didn’t think dancing was on the schedule for tonight?”

  Levi grinned as he followed Harrison and Angeline to the center of the room. “Why else do you think we are in one of the palace’s ballrooms? Would you expect anything less from my mother?”

  Navarre and Lady Allestaine joined the couples in the center of the room. “Fellow kings, family, and guests,” the emperor announced, silencing the room. “It is our greatest honor to have you all in attendance tonight to celebrate the union of both of these couples as they have returned from their vacations. Let this night be one to help inspire and give them strength as they journey through their lives as married couples. I ask all of you to salute their unions, and most of all,” he glanced at Angeline and Reece, “have a moment of silence for Lady Reece and Lady Angeline, as they must put up with these two gentlemen until death shall part them.”

  The group erupted into laughter as Levi stepped forward. “Thank you so much for that heartfelt speech, Father,” he said as he brought Reece up along his side. “However, My wife and I have an exciting announcement we wish to share.”

  Navarre’s grin broadened as Lady Allestaine’s eyebrows shot up.

  “As you all are aware, the Pemdai heart begins to beat at the moment life begins inside the womb of its mother. I can happily announce that in the week following our wedding, Reece and I were delighted when I heard not one, but two strong hearts beating within her womb.”

  A gasp filled the room, followed by cheers and applause. Lady Allestaine rushed over to Reece and embraced her tightly.

  “This is such fantastic news,” she said as she brought her lips to Reece’s ear. “I shall be the most fortunate grandmother in all of Pemdas, with three grandchildren roaming the halls of Pasidian.”

  Reece smiled at Lady Allestaine as she stepped back. “Can you believe it? Twins!”

  “I am elated at this news, my sweet daughter. I cannot express my excitement in words.” Lady Allestaine cupped Reece’s cheek. “We have much to discuss and do outside of the audience we share now. It is time you and Levi celebrate your lives together.”

  The twinkling lights in the room dimmed, and a harmonic melody began softly playing in the background. As Lady Allestaine and Navarre made their way to the edge of the room with the other guests, Levi brought Reece into an elegant dancing form. She gazed up into his sapphire eyes and wondered if she could ever be happier than she was now. The music changed, prompting Levi to lead her alongside Angeline and Harrison in a graceful dance.

  As Levi stepped forward, Reece’s opposite foot instinctively stepped back to begin their waltz. As usual, Levi’s graceful style of dancing was effortless. It wasn’t long into the dance before Levi’s hand, which was resting on her lower back, tightened and drew her body tightly into his.

  “I believe this is the proper time to announce the surprise I have been longing to give you,” Levi said as he spun her out and into his arms again.

  “Surprise?” Reece said with a cheerful laugh. “Is it your new spunky style of dancing? Because I can assure you that you surprise all of our guests with it.”

  Levi smiled and arched a brow. “It does not involve my dance technique. I thought that while Marian is traveling abroad with Lizzy, I should like to take you on a special vacation, one which I believe you may have forgotten.”

  Reece studied Levi’s gaze as their feet continued to step fluidly in their dance. “I’m having trouble following you. I honestly think we’ve done it all.”

  “Indeed.” He smiled. “But I wish to relive some of the more important times in our lives together. Harrison has confirmed that my plans will work tonight.”

  “Oh?”

  “The Ciatron are completely thrown off your trail. Harrison and Angie were approached by two defenders while on their vacation. Up until that point, they truly believed that Harrison and I were, in fact, solely guarding The Key.”

  “What?” Reece said in shock. “How horrible for Angie.”

  “You did witness her excitement about it earlier, right?”

  “Yes, but still—”

  “That’s not the point I am making. When they discovered a Pemdai woman with Harrison, and after Harrison contacted Samuel about the confrontation, Samuel took extra steps to continue to mislead the Ciatron.”

  “So they are no longer searching for me?”

  “They are very confused. They are not even watching the clone anymore.”

  “So what is the surprise? We’re moving to Earth?”

  Levi tilted his head as he looked into her eyes. “Only if that is your desire, but that is not my gift.”

  “Of course I don’t want to move to Earth.”

  “Very well, how does revisiting our time together in Greece and Italy sound? I believe our vacation was not only cut short at that time, but we spent nearly the entire time afraid to approach one another.”

  Reece was riddled with excitement. “I would love that!” She paused for a moment before continuing speculatively. “But what if we get approached like Harrison and Angie did? The Ciatron aren’t stupid. They knew you were guarding me with Harrison.”

  “Of course it will be as it was when we first visited the planet,” Levi returned. “You must always be under heavy guard while outside of the protective barriers of Pemdas, but the
threat is not so great anymore. Samuel approved my plans moments before I returned to you to begin our dance tonight.”

  Reece stopped dancing, filled with more love for this man than she could ever imagine. “How is it possible to find that I love you more and more each time you speak to me?” She framed his face with her hands. “Levi, you are the best man that any woman could ever desire.”

  “Does this mean you agree with my plans to steal you away from Oxley Manor for a while?”

  Reece answered Levi by bringing his lips to meet hers in a loving kiss. Levi wrapped his arms tightly around her, their bodies melting together.

  “You two are putting on quite the show!” Harrison said, bringing Reece out of this blissful moment. “I think Marian would appreciate not seeing her parents’ ardent affections. Poor child must be nauseated by now.”

  “Do not listen to him,” Angeline said as she nudged Harrison in his side. “All you both have shown is what everyone already knows: you love one another and care not what others think.”

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Harrison announced. “Thank you for your support. Now, all we ask is that you all make no reservation in dancing the next sets, as the orchestra plans to entertain you throughout the rest of the evening.”

  Levi and Reece followed Angeline and Harrison to where Marian awaited with a beaming expression. She immediately embraced Reece. “Mother, my heart is overjoyed,” she whispered in her ear. She looked over at Angeline and Harrison and smiled. “I hope the next great news we shall hear will be from the two of you.”

  Harrison brought Angeline’s hand to his lips. “I believe I can predict that soon we shall have two sets of twins driving us all wildly insane.”

  Angeline smiled at Harrison. “Do you really think it could happen?”

  “We have been given everything else back in our lives,” he said as he leaned in closer. “What makes you believe we will not get our unborn twins back as well?”

  “I am certain you two aren’t wasting any time in making that happen,” Levi blurted out, forcing everyone to look at him in concern. Levi recovered himself instantly as Harrison looked around at the outside crowd, who was now listening with great interest. Harrison arched a brow at Levi when Levi quickly shrugged his shoulders and reached for Marian’s hand. “Perhaps you will join me in a dance?”