by Morgan, SL
Reece looked at Allestaine’s concerned expression, which was now directed at her. She decided it would be best to reassure the woman that she could take care of herself. “Lady Allestaine, if you saw what I was wearing earlier, I’ll have to admit, you’d probably be saying the same thing.” She laughed.
Appreciative of the young man’s good humor, Reece turned to Harrison, who was watching with amusement. “Thank you, Harrison, I’ll take that as a compliment. And I have to say—”she glanced at Harrison’s silver and blue striped waistcoat, “you clean up almost as well as I do.”
Harrison let out a soft laugh, while Levi’s lips tightened, stifling a laugh.
“Well, I see you may have finally met someone who can match your quick wit!” Navarre interjected with a laugh.
“Indeed,” Harrison nodded in agreement, “I may have.” He then smiled mischievously at Reece, “However, only time will tell.” He finished with a wink.
Soft laughter filled the room; however, the only person who appeared to be un-amused with Harrison and Reece’s banter was Simone. Her pleasing expression from moments ago had been replaced with a scrutinizing one, directed toward Reece.
Allestaine spoke and brought Reece’s attention back to a much more pleasant face. “One person is absent this evening.” She smiled playfully at her husband.
Navarre laughed. “Well, my lady, I must beg your forgiveness for my absentmindedness. Our daughter, Elizabeth, has been away visiting friends, but she will be arriving home within a day or two, and will be excited to make your acquaintance.”
Reece smiled. “I look forward to meeting her, thank you.”
Allestaine chuckled. “As you can see, Reece, there should be plenty of female companions to keep you occupied. I know you must have wondered earlier if my nephew and son would be your only source of friendship here.”
Reece laughed softly. “It is nice, thank you; and it is very nice to meet you all.” She hoped her response was adequate.
Once the introductions had concluded, Navarre offered his arm to Allestaine, “Let us make our way to the dining hall, shall we?”
Allestaine turned to Reece as she accepted her husband’s arm, “Levi will escort you, Reece.”
“Miss Bryant?” Levi politely requested while offering his arm.
“Thanks.” she responded, nerves taking the place of her manners. I really hope I can pull this dinner off without humiliating myself. She anxiously speculated what awaited them.
The dinner party followed Navarre and Allestaine out of the room and down a long hallway that ended where two servants opened the double doors in front of them.
Most of the illumination in the dining hall came from the candelabras that were positioned upon the long oval table, situated in the middle of the room. Chandeliers hung from the white paneled ceiling, dimmed, to allow a more intimate atmosphere.
As they approached the candlelit table, she saw pewter place settings laid out in pristine fashion on top of a beautiful scarlet table cloth. Well, at least it’s darker in here; hopefully no one will notice if I use the wrong fork, she thought as she became overwhelmed at the different utensils placed around the table settings.
Navarre led Lady Allestaine to the chair placed to the right of the head of the table, and Levi showed Reece to her place, which was situated to the right of his mother. The guests filtered in around them. Navarre stood at the head of the table, Levi to his left, and Harrison next to him. Samuel stood at the opposite end of the table, with his daughters to his right, and Lillian to his left.
The dinner guests stood behind their chairs waiting to be seated. Before they sat, Reece glanced over at Levi, only to find that he was examining the dress she wore. In the moment his eyes met hers, he exhaled and his expression darkened. He quickly turned his attention to his father.
It seemed clear to Reece that he took issue with what she was wearing. Oh! Well, looks like the Emperor’s son doesn’t approve of my wardrobe this evening. Perhaps I should go and change back into my tracksuit; he didn’t seem to have a problem with that outfit earlier. She thought as she laughed inwardly.
Once the Empress was seated, all of the guests followed her example.
“Miss Bryant, I can’t help but to notice that something seems to have amused you? Is there anything you care to share with the rest of us?” Harrison asked.
Of all the people that would notice Reece laughing at her private joke. “Oh—I was just admiring how well dressed everyone is.” She smoothly lied.
Before Harrison could answer her, the staff came out with a variety of foods. Reece stared in awe as each decorated platter filled the dining table before them. Meats, small, game-like birds, and fish were placed in orderly fashion around different soups and breads.
How are we supposed to eat all of this? No wonder they need an obscene amount of flatware, she thought as the servants placed a prepared plate of food down in front of her. Reece looked at the plate of food, then the table in amazement; she could not imagine this small group consuming the entire meal.
A soft laugh came from across the table. “Are you impressed with the meal, Reece, or are you that hungry? If your appetite is as large as your eyes are right now, we may have to order the staff back to the kitchen to bring the second course out this instant.”
Reece lifted her eyes from the feast before her and responded with a challenging grin. “I think this should be enough for me, but, if not, I will let you know.”
Allestaine smoothly cut in. “Nephew, please tell me you have not treated Reece in this manner for the entire day. I am afraid to wonder what her true opinion of us will be.”
“Aunt, when have you ever known me to jest? Of course, I was completely formal while introducing Reece to Pemdas.” He winked at Reece and grinned.
“What will I do with you, Harrison?” said Allestaine as she reached for her glass of wine. “Although, I must say that I am grateful to both you and Levi today.” She looked at her son, who nodded back. “Levi, I understand you helped Reece come to a better understanding of her situation this afternoon?”
Levi looked quickly toward Reece, who smiled. He didn’t smile back. “Thank you, Mother,” he said unenthusiastically. “I am pleased to hear the information was well received.”
The Lady’s eyes narrowed. “As was I, Son. I explained to Reece my concern for not being available upon her arrival. However, with your explanations, she was not as distressed as I had feared.”
“Your gratitude is greatly appreciated; however, there is no need for such accolades.” He stared somberly at his mother, “I believe we have only served as our duties have commanded us.”
Wow! This guy seems to be in a foul mood. Or maybe he just hates to be in the spotlight. Reece was a little shocked by the response he had given his mother.
“Levi, you must learn to receive gratitude in the spirit in which it is given. I fear you will get little thanks if this is how you receive it.”
Harrison joined in. “My lady, I will gladly accept your appreciation for what we have done today. It appears that I must now speak for myself, as my cousin’s modesty is sparing me the gratitude I believe I so deserve.” He looked toward Levi, laughing. Levi only stared back at him in response and then brought his attention back to his meal.
What’s his problem? He’s acting as if he’s been abducted from his home, thrust into an alternate reality, and forced into a monKey suit for dinner with strangers, she thought, as she took a bite.
The food was delicious, and Reece became so engrossed in the meal before her that she barely noticed Levi engaging her in conversation. “Are you finding your living quarters and arrangements comfortable, Miss Bryant?”
Of course, he waits until I have a mouth full of food. She hurriedly swallowed her bite and answered, “I am, thank you.”
Levi didn’t have a chance to respond, before Simone interrupted. “Miss Bryant, I am not sure what is arranged for you tomorrow, but the other women and I would love to show you ar
ound one of the towns we enjoy shopping in.” She smiled sweetly toward Reece.
“If there are no plans for me, I’d be happy to go with you.”
Allestaine gently placed her delicate hand on Reece’s arm. “Reece, you are free to do whatever you wish. Tomorrow will be a lovely opportunity for you get to know the young ladies better.”
Reece smiled in confirmation. The dining atmosphere remained mostly subdued after that, and Reece was grateful. Harrison and Levi engaged in minor conversation with each other, and every once and a while, Navarre and Samuel would interject on subjects that the ladies didn’t seem to know much about; but they listened intently, and offered encouraging smiles if one of the men glanced in their direction.
Once finished, Reece was pleasantly filled by the delicious meal. One by one, the dinner guests finished their meals as well.
After dinner, Navarre and Allestaine walked arm in arm, leading the group from the dining hall and into the sitting room where she had first met Navarre. The room was pretty much the same, except that more furniture had been added and placed throughout. Musicians sat in the far corner of the room, playing instruments, adding to the relaxed environment the family chose to retreat to.
They walked down toward the large sofas, where everyone found a comfortable seat. Simone asked Reece to join her and her friends in a more secluded seating area, which was situated in the front corner of the room.
Allestaine and Navarre took up seating on the large couches next to Samuel and remained in conversation with him. Levi and Harrison made their way to the large fireplace and remained standing, involved in their own conversation.
From where Reece sat, she had a perfect view of the illuminated lands on the other side of the large windows. She also had an excellent view of the rest of the occupants of the room.
As the room filled with separate conversations, Reece noticed Allestaine keeping a watchful eye on her. When their gazes met, she smiled sweetly at Reece.
As her eyes wondered throughout the room, she couldn’t help but notice Harrison and Levi, in their own conversation. Harrison stood casually, his back to Reece and one arm resting on the mantel. In the other hand, he held the glass of wine he had brought with him from the dining hall.
Levi was the exact opposite. He stood tall and straight, as if still in the odd mood he’d been in at dinner, but the conversation with Harrison brought a tiny smile to his lips every now and then. Then he turned a bit, and his eyes met Reece’s. She gave him a slight, formal smile, and was pleased to see his lips turn up in a faint smile in return. Nice to see him in a better mood.
“Levi has mentioned that Earth is full of big cities.” Simone spoke, pulling Reece’s gaze away from Levi’s.
“That’s true.” Reece answered.
“And there’s something about the colors?” Simone continued.
“The colors? Oh, well, yeah, the colors—let me tell you, the nights at home are nothing like this! This is so beautiful!”
Simone smiled charmingly, “Indeed! The beauty of Pemdas is profound. Levi and Harrison have also told us that there is no other dimension out there that displays such beauty—night or day.”
I bet they have, Reece thought before responding, “Well, I can’t tell you about other dimensions, but in comparison to Earth, Levi and Harrison are correct in saying that it is much more beautiful here.”
Reece smiled faintly in return to Simone’s proud grin before her interest was drawn to the glowing scenery outside the windows. Reece was starting to develop a mild irritation with the woman. It was in the way she held herself, along with the arrogance of her tone while speaking to Reece. Her negative opinion of the woman was quickly replaced while staring out the window. Well, I guess the woman does have every right to be proud of living in this place. I really shouldn’t fault her for it. She became so involved in the electric blues, and vivid pinks and reds, that she was startled when Simone addressed her again. “Miss Bryant, how do you pass the evenings on Earth?”
“Well, if my friends and I are not studying, we’ll watch television or something.”
“Watch television? Is it entertaining?” Lillian asked.
“It is. Although, I suppose that would depend on what you would classify as ‘entertaining’. Sometimes, I see it as a waste of time and would rather read a book or get out of the house.”
“I enjoy the entertainment of having fine conversations with my closest friends.” Simone replied. “Hopefully you will in time, too.”
Reece laughed in return as the three women went on talking about people and things she didn’t know. As it became obvious the young woman were now intentionally ignoring her, Reece returned her attention to the windows.
“Miss Bryant.” The deep voice startled her, and the young women immediately silenced, seemingly stunned by the interruption.
Levi and Harrison had made their way to where the young women sat. “I’m curious,” Levi continued. “Is there something special that you see in the gardens? I notice that most of your attention has been directed toward them.”
He was still extremely reserved, without any humor in his expression, while Harrison’s face was lit with amusement. Had she been rude to look out the window? The other women didn’t look upset, they only waited for Reece’s response.
“Yes, Miss Bryant,” Simone added, “I’m curious as well.”
The ‘Miss Bryant’ thing was getting old and making Reece uncomfortable, she figured she should just address the issue now. “Please,” she looked at the group around her, “call me Reece.”
Levi grinned, “Very well then, Reece, is there something in particular that has caught your attention outside?”
“I’m not really watching anything in particular. I’m just intrigued by the way the land lights up at night. I’m sorry if I was being impolite,” she said to Simone. “I hope it didn’t seem like I was ignoring anyone.”
Harrison laughed. “Reece, these ladies would not know if they were being ignored or not. Am I correct, Simone?”
“Harrison, you do go on about nothing! You’ll never understand how ladies interact.” She looked at Reece. “The beauties of Pemdas can fascinate any one of us at any time, night or day.”
Levi cleared his throat. “It’s a lovely evening to be outdoors. Would you ladies care to join us for a walk? I believe Reece would have a much improved view of the gardens that she seems so enchanted with.”
Simone stood. She was very tall, only a few inches shorter than the men. “That’s a wonderful idea, Levi. Ladies, we should take advantage of the mild evenings while we still have them.”
Reece and the other ladies stood in unison, and went to bid goodnight to Allestaine. “It’s a fine night,” the lady said, “Enjoy your walk. I will see you all tomorrow.”
Simone led the group gracefully from the room, with the exception of Levi and Harrison, who were detained by Samuel. Reece followed slowly behind the other women. They all walked so elegantly that they appeared to float through the hallway. By comparison, she felt clumsy and loutish. She turned to see if the men were close behind, but only found an empty hallway.
“Reece, dear, please keep up. I don’t want to be held responsible for your becoming lost in the hallways.” Simone laughed in her soprano voice.
They went through the atrium Levi had showed Reece earlier, and out the doors and down the steps to the Palace gardens. Simone, Catherine, and Lillian stopped by a fountain surrounded by concrete benches, took their seats and smiled up at Reece, who was looking longingly into the greenery.
Catherine laughed. “Reece, you may walk the gardens if you wish. We will be here, relaxing beside the fountain.”
Gee, thanks for giving me permission to do something, Reece thought, as she was starting to become irritated with the way these women were talking down to her. Now they were being obvious about trying to get rid of her? Reece did need some time away, as she knew she would likely say something to them in regard to their rude behavior soon enough.
“Actually, I think I will. Thanks.”
Simone responded with a charming smile. “Enjoy yourself; the gardens are more enchanting when traveled alone, and no distractions are present.”
Reece followed a path toward plants with glowing, iridescent flowers. They seemed to change color as she moved past them—now purple, now red, now green. As she stepped carefully along the path, farther and farther away, the laughter of the young women began to fade. She was still in the Palace gardens, though; and she was pretty sure she could find her way back. Although she knew it was obvious the women were trying to get rid of her, she appreciated this time alone. The events of the day were starting to catch up with her, and she needed some down time.
Something fluttered its glowing blue wings in front of her. She slowly reached out to it, and it came to rest on her outstretched finger. It was as small as a butterfly and colored like one, but it had only two broad wings, and they were brighter than any butterfly’s. She stood still, not moving a muscle, as it explored its place of rest on her finger. She felt the weary, stressed energy leaving her body, and was being replaced with a calm peace, as if she’d had a sound sleep.
A soft chuckle from behind made her jump, and the glowing insect fluttered away swiftly. She turned and saw Levi, who was biting his lip to conceal a smile. The good humor that had returned to his face had brightened his deep blue eyes. Pleased that he seemed to be in a much better mood, she decided to smile in return instead of reprimanding him for startling her.
He allowed his lips to curve up at one corner as he spoke softly. “Those are the Tenillian. They are interesting species in our land. They give their unique energy to objects they touch.”
“That little thing that was on my hand? It’s what made me feel so rested?”
He smiled down in response to her amazed expression.
“That’s amazing! How do they do that?”
He tilted his head, smiling. “They have a unique way of gathering and storing energy from our vegetation; it’s simply a transfer of that energy, from them to you.”
