by S. L. Morgan
“Levi, you wouldn’t dare!”
Levi finished inspecting the saddle bag that was harnessed over Arrow’s shoulder. Mozart hummed a low, depressed cello sound while his tiny fingers gripped the side of the pouch in which Levi placed him.
“He can’t travel like that!” Reece demanded. “What if he jumps out?”
Levi held a serious expression, but Reece could see the humor in his eyes. “Reece, the infant zorflak usually remains in a pouch like this, attached and bonding with its mother.”
“Like a kangaroo?”
“Yes. So do not fear him jumping out.”
“Isn’t it obvious to you that he would jump out of that, or he would still be in his mother’s pouch?” She folded her arms. “You can’t do this to him. He’s most likely going to jump out.”
Levi studied Mozart’s wide and pleading eyes. “Well, if he should decide to be so foolish, I believe that it will be a lesson learned, and possibly the last time he rebels against his nature.”
Reece sighed when she noticed Mozart’s name engraved in the dark leather pouch. “You’ve planned this from the beginning.”
Levi confidently nodded. “Indeed.” He scooped Reece up into his arms. “Don’t worry over the critter. He will be all right.”
He helped her up into the saddle, and before Reece could question why she wouldn’t be riding behind Levi, he mounted the stallion, settled in behind her, and reached for the reins.
A kiss on the cheek and Levi called out, prompting Areion and Arrow to respond and bring them down the mountainside. Once at the bottom, Levi loosened Areion’s reins, allowing the horse to gain speed as they traveled along a private road. Reece tried to enjoy the view, but her concern for Mozart had her watching him as Arrow aggressively followed on their side. Reece’s concern was replaced with amusement as she watched Mozart’s large ears flapping in the wind as he tried hiding deep in the leather saddle bag.
She felt Levi’s embrace tighten as he guided Areion off the road and toward the protective barriers of Pemdas.
“Levi!” she yelled, but the horses were too quick, and they were soaring through the air over the empty void beneath them. Once they landed on the other side of the barriers, the horses gained more speed as their surroundings started to drastically change.
Reece’s eyes widened when she saw the trees with the white iridescent trunks and shimmering red leaves in abundance on their branches.
Levi slowed Areion as they approached a road that ran through the center of the familiar trees.
“Do you remember this location?” he said as he halted Areion.
Reece grinned. “The Philadelphia vortex is here.”
“Correct.” He ran a hand along her leg. “I felt the need to relive the first moments you experienced when we brought you into Pemdas. Does this agree with you?”
Reece studied the trees, the blooms and foliage that were glowing in the location of the forest where the trees blocked the light of the sun. Her memories of entering this land for the first time came flooding back to her.
She leaned into Levi. “I think this is a wonderful idea.”
Levi turned Areion toward the location of the barriers, heeled him, and they resumed their ride. Even though Reece knew she would always be in awe of the enchanting lands of Pemdas, revisiting the exact ride she took when she first entered the land had more of an effect on her now than it did the first time.
She fixed her eyes on the brilliance of the green grass and the colors of the flowers that glistened like gemstones. The entire ride overwhelmed her with happiness and gratitude at how much her life had changed and been fulfilled beyond what she could ever have imagined. Levi slowed Areion as they approached the village. The villagers stopped what they were doing and acknowledged them with cheers as they traveled through.
Once out of the village, Reece gripped Levi’s hand, forcing him to halt the horse when the palace came into view.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
She studied the enormous palace that sat impressively on top of the hill. “I know Pasidian Palace is not our home, but I just want to take this image in for a few moments.”
“I am curious,” Levi said. “What were your first thoughts when you witnessed Pasidian?”
Reece chuckled. “First thoughts? At first, I thought it was a city, but once we got closer, I was left speechless. I still struggle to believe that all of this,” she twisted a little in the saddle to face Levi and ran her hands along his cheek, “that you, Levi Oxley, are all a part of my life.”
Levi’s eyes became hypnotic as they bore into hers. “I feel the same,” he said before his lips captured hers in a zealous kiss.
A humming noise resonated so loud that Reece couldn’t enjoy this delicious kiss from her husband. A low groan escaped Levi as he slowly ended their kiss. The humming grew louder as Reece felt Levi’s lips turn up into a smile against hers.
He withdrew from Reece and grinned mischievously as he looked over at Arrow. “Arrow!” he ordered, prompting the zorflak to silence and the horse to bring his attention to Levi. “Get back to Javian!” he commanded.
In that instant, Arrow bounded forward, and Reece couldn’t help but laugh as Arrow swiftly ascended the mountainside. All that was heard over the thunderous hooves charging up the mountain was the loud humming coming from Mozart.
“That takes care of that problem,” Levi said proudly.
“What am I going to do with you two?”
Levi ran his hand along her chin and cupped the back of her neck. “I do not know what you are going to do with your obstinate critter, but I can think of a multitude of things you can do with me.”
“Oh?” Reece said with an arch of her eyebrow. “Looks like we might need to bypass a visit at the palace and just head home?”
Levi flashed her favorite grin before transfixing his eyes on her lips. “There are plenty of rooms in the palace, love,” he teased her with a kiss. “And plenty of secret passageways for us to arrive at one of those rooms without being noticed.”
Reece’s adrenaline picked up as Levi held her tighter and ignited every nerve in her body as he kissed her so avidly, it sent her head swirling. Even though they had already been through so much together, it truly felt as if they were starting their lives together for the first time. She could stay in this moment forever, but she knew Levi would soon withdraw and they would, once again, renew their devoted love for each other as soon as they reached the palace.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Many, many years later…
Lady Jacinda Hamilton, the current Empress of Pemdas, closed the book she had been reading to her youngest brother’s children, Jeremy and Aria.
“That will be enough for now, my lovelies,” she said as she placed the book aside and stood from the oversized chair in the room.
“Wait!” Aria enthusiastically shouted.
“Darling, keep your voice down, or you shall wake everyone in the palace.” She laughed.
“Aunt Jaci, it cannot end just like that,” she whispered as her eyebrows knit together in frustration. “There must be more in our books that have documented the stories of our ancestors’ lives.”
Lady Jacinda smiled warmly as she reached for Aria’s hand, encouraging her to rise up. “Of course there are many stories about Levi and Reece because that period of their lives changed everything in our world,” she informed her as she helped her to bed and neatly tucked the covers in around her. “But that is all for another time.”
“That is unfair,” she grumbled.
“If you want my opinion, none of it matters anyway,” Jeremy added as he climbed up into his bed. “Besides, you skimmed past a lot of pages.”
“Those pages, my dearest nephew, are not anything you need to be learning or reading about right now,” she smiled. “You are too young to understand love in such a fashion, anyway.”
“That’s disgusting,” Jeremy said as he pulled the covers up and turned on his side.
> Why is he behaving in such a way? Jacinda thought as Jeremy’s mood shifted oddly before her.
“Jeremy there is an important reason I have chosen to share these stories with you.”
“I am sure you think so, Aunt Jacinda, but I am not sure why we must listen to these stories about people from so long ago. Events that happened to people hundreds of years ago do not make a difference to us now.”
She sat on the bed next to Jeremy, with Aria watching her intently. “Child, due to mine and your father’s lineage, you and Aria both are the direct descendants of Levi and Reece. Alexander, their son who was born with his twin sister, Alysia, is your fifth great grandfather, and it is vital that you understand your heritage.”
“I already understand all of that,” Jeremy returned.
“And so you must know that with each of Reece and Levi’s descendants come many different talents. They will eventually awaken in you as well, and it is critical that you both are prepared when it happens. That is the only reason I chose to read these stories to you each night, instead of other stories of our history.” She touched Jeremy’s shoulder, encouraging him to look back at her. “Your parents have already arranged for you and your sister to meet with Queen Galleta before week’s end. She must start helping your minds discover these talents so that they will not frighten you when they awaken.”
“They already have,” Jeremy said dismissively.
“Jeremy Oxley,” she interrupted him. “You must tell me at once what has happened with you that would lead you to believe such a thing.”
“I have already traveled to a time where I encountered Reece and Levi.”
Lady Jacinda’s heart started pounding in her chest. “There is no documentation of you encountering them in the history books.”
“That is because I hid. I was quite frightened when it first happened, but I was intrigued as well.”
“So you did not interact with any of your ancestors?” she exhaled in relief.
“No.” He turned to face his aunt. “Like I told you, I hid.”
“When did this take place?” she said with concern. “Jeremy, I must know, have you traveled any other times as well?”
“A few weeks ago,” Jeremy answered. “Aunt Jacinda, please do not be so concerned.”
“There is great reason for my concern, child. You must promise me you will not do such a thing ever again. Queen Galleta must instruct you on the importance of the abilities you possess and why it is critical to be overly cautious when you use them.” She exhaled. “Jeremy, I do not jump through time for my personal entertainment. These abilities are only used for important purposes.”
“What do you mean?”
“If the emperor requests me to do so, I will; however, my abilities have yet to be used to jump into the future for information.” She studied Jeremy. “It is crucial that you fully understand your abilities so that they might be utilized for good, and more importantly, you do not alter the course of others’ lives while traveling through time.”
“As I said, I did not interact.”
“I need you to promise me that you will not do so again. You must work with Galleta first.”
Jeremy remained silent.
“Jeremy,” she deeply intoned, prompting him to look back at her. “You are as stubborn as your father. Do not give me a reason to believe that you will not heed my advice.”
Jeremy smiled. “Aunt Jacinda, I will do as you say.”
Lady Jacinda stood from the bed. “Do not toy with my trust, young man.”
“I won’t,” he yawned.
“Very well.” She glanced at the children. “Now, both of you close your eyes and dream well.”
Lady Jacinda walked through the corridors, in need of a hot bath in order to think all of this through, and her maiden had it drawn in record time. After quite some time of unwinding her nerves, Lady Jacinda stepped out of the bath, and once she was dressed in her long gown, she dismissed her maiden for the evening.
As she crossed the sitting area on her way to her bedchambers, she opted to pour herself a hot cup of tea. She settled into her bed and leaned against her pillows, sipping on her tea and gazing out of the windows, which displayed the illuminating foliage of her private gardens.
“Why, Empress Hamilton,” her husband called out as he entered the room. “I must know what has you so upset this evening. You only take your tea in bed when you are pondering troublesome situations.”
Lady Jacinda smiled in relief that her husband had retired early to their rooms that evening. “Of all the nights I feel I need you at my side, tonight I feel especially so, Julius.”
He climbed into bed next to her and began running his fingers through her hair. “I am here for you always. Please, allow me to help console you. What has happened?”
“After reading to the children tonight, Jeremy revealed that he has traveled through time already.”
Julius frowned. “Are you sure? Jeremy is one to tell tales to gain attention.”
Jacinda sipped her tea. “I cannot be entirely sure, but the expression on his face has me concerned.”
“You mustn’t overly distress yourself over this. We will speak with your brother and sister in the morning when they arrive at the palace,” he said with a kiss to her temple.
Jacinda sighed, and a strange feeling washed over her. She promptly set her tea to the side and drew back the covers of their bed. “I must go check on them. Something is not right.”
“Is it your intuition, my darling?”
“Without a doubt.”
At that moment, both were out of bed and pulling on their robes. “Allow me to go with you.”
They entered the children’s room, and Jacinda’s heart sank when she saw both Aria and Jeremy were gone, and all that was on their bed was an open book.
“Allow me to send for servants to locate their whereabouts immediately,” Julius said soberly.
Jacinda stopped him with her hand. “They aren’t in the palace,” she whispered as she walked over to the bed. She placed her hand on the open pages of the book. Her vision changed, seeing Reece and Levi on their vacation after they were first married. She withdrew her hand and looked at her husband.
“Jeremy has traveled to Reece and Levi when they were first married.” She brushed past her husband. “I must change and find him.”
“Allow me to join you.”
“Any other time, I would gladly have you join me, but Jeremy has already risked too much.”
Julius softly gripped Jacinda’s arm. “Will you be safe?”
“Safe?” she responded as they entered their rooms. “Right now, Aria is gone as well. I am not sure if Jeremy is able to jump someone in time with him. I not only fear that Jeremy will disrupt time if he chooses to interact with Levi and Reece, but what if—”
“Do not think in such a way,” Julius consoled her. “You know just as I that these talents and abilities have matured in their own way with each generation. I highly doubt his abilities are as limited as your ancestor Marian’s were.”
She finished dressing swiftly. “Let us hope you are correct.” She leaned up, kissed her husband’s cheek, and forced a smile. “I will return as soon as possible with the children.”
Before Julius could respond, Jacinda was in the enchanting gardens of the city Levi chose to bring Reece to on their vacation. She glanced up at the clock, knowing that Levi and Reece were still indulging in a fine dinner, but they would be walking out to this location soon enough. She had to find Jeremy and Aria quickly. She closed her eyes, honing in on the children. She let her abilities guide her to them, and she found them, both alive and healthy, crouching behind a large hedge.
She knelt down. “Jeremy, Aria,” she whispered, startling both children. “I have no words to describe how disappointed I am with both of you at the moment.”
“Aunt, please forgive Jeremy. I begged him to bring me here,” Aria cried out.
Jacinda eyed both children. “So I see.” She
looked at Jeremy. “Because I cannot trust you will not go behind my back and do this again, we must begin your lessons now.”
“What do you mean?” Jeremy’s voice cracked with fear.
“You will learn to resist the urge of interacting with the ancestors you wish to meet so greatly.” She sighed. “Believe me, this is the most difficult, yet critical lesson for you to learn and understand. You have entered a time and reality where Levi and Reece have no idea that time travel exists.” She looked into Aria’s eyes. “Your eyes are equally as unique and brilliant as Levi’s, and Reece’s intuition is growing strong, as she is now with child. She must not recognize that feature in you, or it may cause concern for both her and Levi.”
“Yes, Aunt Jacinda.”
“They are coming now. Both of you must exercise great restraint as we walk past them. You will act as any other patron in this location and not interact with either of them.” She stood and held each hand out for Jeremy and Aria to hold onto. “Let us go.”
As they drew closer to Levi and Reece, Jacinda’s greatest fear came to fruition when Aria pulled from her grips and raced over to the couple.
I need to try and distract them, Lady Jacinda thought as she scurried up to her ancestors. “Forgive us, Empress Oxley,” she pleaded, with Jeremy still at her side.
To her utmost shock, Jacinda’s emerald, nearly turquoise colored eyes that mirrored Reece’s when she had the power of the stone, locked onto Reece’s. This being the first time Jacinda was in such close proximity to her ancestor, Jacinda froze.
“Have we met before?” she asked, and Lady Jacinda knew why.
“Not that I can recall, Your Royal Majesty,” she said with a warm smile.
Aria released her hold on Reece when Levi spoke out. “It appears as though you approve of your new empress, young lady,” he said with a soft laugh.
Lady Jacinda’s heart was beating wildly out of control, knowing that one thing about this encounter could change the course of history forever. Just one ripple in time could change everything.
