by Morgan, SL
Her eyes followed him as he approached her. “Nice to see you’re in a better mood. Does it take scaring me half to death to put a smile on your face?”
He walked up to her, eyes searching hers. “I’m sorry I startled you. I’m surprised the ladies allowed you to wonder off alone, as unfamiliar as you are with the gardens. I decided it would be best to find you before you became lost and were forced to spend your first night in Pemdas outdoors.” He laughed. “Harrison is still back with the women, enjoying the opportunity to make them feel ashamed of themselves. Since I am here now, allow me to escort you to another section of the gardens. I believe you will find it even more intriguing.”
Reece nodded in acceptance. She followed him quietly, as he led her past topiary bushes, glowing vividly green. A miniature bridge over a tiny valley led them to an open area with stone benches. Another small pond, which was surrounded by ferns, shone silver; when she looked, she saw that the shine came from hundreds of small fish, or whatever fish equivalents there were in this place, swimming beneath its surface. In the center, a stone boy played with a stone ball. The ball seemed balanced on a column of water that rose up and spilled into the pond.
Levi led the way to a bench. Insect-like creatures fluttered around them, twinkling like Christmas lights. Large groups of them flew back and forth in the canopy of tall trees over the benches.
“Why does everything glow like this?”
“It is due to the distinctive qualities of our atmosphere. It creates a unique energy that surrounds the lands, allowing the things that feed from it, a natural way of glowing.” He looked up into the trees. “Even though I’ve lived here my entire life, I’m still astounded by the beauty of Pemdas at night. I can only imagine how it seems to you.”
“I am truly amazed. It’s good to hear you admit that you’re not used to it either, but then again, you do go to Earth a lot. I can’t understand how you would ever want to leave this place.”
A voice answered from behind them. “Speaking of Earth…How am I doing with my earlier predictions, Reece?” Harrison stepped over the bridge and took a seat on an empty bench.
Reece looked at him, confused. “Predictions?”
“I believe I mentioned something along the lines of, ‘You will never want to return to Earth.’”
Reece laughed. “Oh. Well, I’m not sure I’m at that point yet. Speaking of returning to Earth, how long do you guys think it will take until I can go back?”
“It all depends on when the Ciatron lose interest in you. Our hopes are that they’ll investigate your stand-in, and come to the conclusion that you are not the one they seek. Obviously, the clone does not possess the information that you possess, and we’re hopeful that their interest will wane,” Levi said.
“What exactly is a ‘stand-in’ anyway? Obviously, it’s something that looks and acts like me, but is it a real living being?”
“No—it’s more like a humanoid robot. An android. The exact image of you, and programmed with all of your memories and knowledge.”
“What? How do you guys make something like that?”
Harrison laughed. “We have inventors and scientists in Pemdas, too, Reece!”
Reece shook her head. “That’s really hard for me to believe, I guess.”
Harrison chuckled, “Oh? How’s that?”
“Um, well, it just feels like I’ve time traveled or something coming here. You know, like you all wouldn’t be so advanced with your technology.” She looked over at Harrison’s attire, “For example; a little over an hour ago, I was expected to wear a dress with a corset, then I see you two, changed into tailcoats, trousers, and waistcoats.” She smiled at Harrison’s amused grin, “I think it’s pretty obvious that the last time everyone on Earth dressed like this, it was back in the eighteenth century. And Earth’s scientists and inventor’s weren’t creating robots and things of that nature.”
Levi chuckled, “Reece, it is perfectly understandable for you to view Pemdas in such a way. You will find as you are with us, that it is not only the way we dress that will remind you of the earlier cultures of Earth, but you will also see that we do not rely on technology as Earth does either.”
“I guess that explains why we came here on horseback then. That’s the only way you guys get around here?”
“I believe you will find a ride in a horse and carriage in Pemdas is just as relaxing, if not more, than driving in a vehicle on the paved roads of Earth; especially the luxurious carriages of Pasidian Palace.” Harrison added with a grin.
Reece was amazed at the fact that horseback was their preferred method of transportation. “But, why is it like that here? I really don’t get it. It seems that Pemdas would be more technologically advanced, given the car we left the park in. And the object that was in your hand that you were looking at in the car–” she directed at Levi, “that was like a cell phone or computer wasn’t it?” She looked at the fountain, “I guess that’s what is confusing to me.”
“You are correct in your assumptions about our technology. It is far greater than Earth’s. The device in my hand was what we use to communicate with Pasidian’s command center. We communicate with it telepathically.” Levi responded.
Reece remembered the way Levi had seemed to be ignoring her in the car earlier, and how he was staring so intently at the transparent object in his hand. “Well, I guess that explains why you were constantly staring at it in the car. You were using it to have a conversation through your mind?”
Harrison laughed, “Yes. That is why you had the privilege of conversation with me in the car. Levi wasn’t ignoring you; he was informing Samuel about the success of our mission.”
“Then why wouldn’t you use your cars and stuff like that here?”
“We only use things of a technical nature when we visit other worlds. The use of vehicles helps us to blend in with certain cultures, when necessary. And those communication devices are essential for our communication with Pemdas while we are on any given mission.”
Reece frowned in confusion.
Levi leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, “Reece, I believe the best way for me to simplify the cultures and customs of Pemdas is this; you see, all cultures change over time, they change with the leadership. Pemdas has lived for thousands of years without civil war and unrest; therefore, our leaders have remained in power for longer periods of time. As a result, our change came slower. However, it was mainly due to that fact we have been able to witness how too much change can have very negative effects on a culture, and more importantly, its environment. For example, we witnessed this as we watched Earth evolve into what she is today. After seeing the negative effects these ‘advances’ brought to the planet, the Pemdai chose not to embrace that sort of change, and to remain in a time prior to the industrial revolution on Earth. It is not only the Pemdai rulers who have chosen this way of life, but it is also a mandate of the Pemdai people as well. No one here is eager to compromise our environment, or our health, for a ‘convenience’ that is unnecessary.”
“The difference between your culture and ours,” Harrison added, “–is not that we do not understand technology, or even that we don’t use technology, it’s that we refuse to allow a selfish compulsion for unnecessary conveniences to govern the quality of our lives, the lives of our children, and the future of Pemdas.”
Reece leaned back, “Well, that makes sense. Come to think of it, there are still many cultures on Earth today that don’t drive cars, most of them have fewer conveniences than you.”
Harrison smiled, “Exactly.”
The sound of the young women joining them interrupted their conversation.
“Oh, please, help us.” Harrison muttered, resting his face on his hand. Reece could not help but laugh. He stared speculatively past her to the sounds of giggling from the women as they approached them.
Harrison spoke, clearly annoyed. “I’m surprised you ladies have found a sudden interest in this location. The walk alone seems as
though it would be very trying to your delicate frames.” Levi sat up straight and said nothing.
“Harrison, I believe we have heard enough from you this evening.” Lillian snapped.
Harrison suddenly took on the same stiff air as Levi. “I hope the reason you have come all this way is to offer Reece an apology. I am sure Lady Allestaine will not be pleased when she finds that you all have been so rude to allow a guest to wonder off alone.” He laughed, “Or perhaps,” he started with a voice of sarcasm, “she will be under the impression that you brushed her off, and will be grateful that you are taking her into some small village alone tomorrow. I am sure she will have no reason to distress herself about leaving Reece in your care.” He finished while giving all three women a challenging expression.
Simone looked unconcerned. “Harrison, you treat Reece as if she were a puppy, lost and never to find her way home. Reece, dear, please forgive us. We would never have let you run off alone had we imagined you would get lost.”
I swear if this broad calls me ‘dear’ ONE more time. “I wasn’t lost, and it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” Reece answered.
“So you agree that these men are overreacting? I believe men can be more dramatic than ladies at times!”
Her high-pitched laughter was cut off when Levi stood up. “I believe you are missing Harrison’s point.” He said in his deep voice. “We understand perfectly that Reece is not a lost puppy. We are simply making sure that our guest is properly attended to. Your selfish behavior has me wondering whether or not we should trust her into your care.” His stern gaze fell upon Simone. “Regardless of the severity you will face when the Empress hears of this, you, Madam, have proven to me that you have no interest in making an honored guest feel welcome in my home. I suggest all three of you remember that you, as well, are simply our guests. You will straightaway be asked to leave, should you not treat Miss Bryant with the dignity and respect she deserves. I suggest you heed my warning, for you know very well how the Empress feels about Reece’s uncertain situation. Do not force her to regret trusting you.”
The women seemed at a loss for words, until Simone found some. “Please forgive us for making light of the situation. We meant no disrespect. You’re right; we should have kept closer company with Reece. We were selfishly caught up in our own conversation, and took for granted that Reece would find her way around the grounds on her own. Reece, forgive us. I do hope you will still spend the day with us tomorrow.”
Levi turned to Reece for her answer.
Oh, great! What am I supposed to say now? Reece faintly smiled. “Don’t worry about it, I enjoyed the time alone anyway. It seemed to work out perfectly, since Harrison and Levi answered a few more questions for me. If you guys still want to do something tomorrow, I’ll go with you.”
“Well, ladies, this has been an eventful night,” said Harrison. I believe we should retire and start fresh tomorrow.” He stood.
“You make an excellent point, Harrison,” Simone said. “Would you be a gentleman and escort us back to into the house?” She raised one hand slightly, as if to rest it on his.
Harrison looked at her with a mischievous grin. “Madam, I would happily offer you my arm; however, there are three lovely ladies and only one other man available to escort them. It would be discourteous of us both to offer any one lady an arm.”
You have two arms, thought Reece, before she realized that this was Harrison’s way of dodging Simone’s request. She had to turn her head away from the group to prevent them from seeing the amusement in her expression. Poor thing, she probably should have seen that one coming.
Simone stared incredulously at Harrison before she stormed off toward the house. Lillian shot her brother a dark glance, while Catherine scurried after her sister. “Reece, we shall see you for breakfast tomorrow. Rest well.” Said Lillian, as she turned her back to Harrison, and followed after the others.
Harrison and Levi waited, presumably until the women were out of earshot, and then burst into laughter. It was the first time Reece had witnessed them both laugh out loud. “I take it you and they don’t get along too well.”
Harrison chuckled. “That would be an understatement. Those women know how to put on an act. They think they’re the crème de la crème, and their fantasies are only fueled more by staying here at the Palace. Hopefully your manners will rub off on them tomorrow.”
Reece laughed. “You want the college student to tame the sophisticates? Not going to happen, Harrison.”
Levi looked toward Reece. “In all seriousness, are you sure you’ll be comfortable joining them tomorrow? Different arrangements can be made.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m sure after following me for the last couple of years,” she shot both men a knowing glance, “you should both know by now that I can handle myself. If I get lost or left in a village, I’ll hail a horse-drawn cab, and tell the driver to take me to the Emperor!”
Both men laughed.
“We are sure that you can handle being around them, Reece, we are just giving you an excellent opportunity to get out of it if you want.” Harrison said.
“It wouldn’t matter either way. I’ll just be making a scene if I back out now.”
“Reece—”Levi started.
Before Levi could say anymore, Reece interrupted him. “No, seriously, I’ve got this. They really didn’t bother me that much tonight. I can handle it.”
Harrison studied her. “Well then, let’s get you back to the house. I believe you’ll need all the rest you can get, if you plan to spend an entire day with them. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.” He offered her an arm. “It seems as though I can finally be a gentleman, now that the clucking hens have left us. Allow me, Reece.”
She accepted Harrison’s arm, and the three of them turned to leave the garden.
Chapter 8
That night, Reece was more exhausted than she had ever remembered being in her entire life. Enveloped in a white, silk, lavender-scented nightgown, she made her way to her bed. The massive four-poster bed was isolated in a room of its own. She wasted no time getting up into it; and once she slipped under the soft and silky comforter, she very quickly fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Reece woke the next morning to sounds coming from the next room. She pushed the soft covers back, and let her feet drop over the side of the bed. She wrapped herself in her robe, and made her way out into the sitting room.
She walked over to the large windows, where the morning sun was shining through, and gazed out onto the lands. The sky was painted in blues and pinks, complementing the lush green grass on the rolling hills that lay before it.
She noticed a herd of black horses in a white-fenced pasture surrounded by the forest; they looked like the horses that Levi and Harrison had used to bring her into Pemdas. Foals frolicked while their dams attended to the business of grazing.
Reece smiled at the morning this magical land gave her, and allowed herself to appreciate it. She began to feel a sense of gratitude for the new world she had been introduced to.
Two figures walked out to the horses—her two male companions from the previous day. Levi had a pleasant smile on his face and walked with purpose, taking long strides. Alongside him was his cousin, Harrison, laughing as usual. As they reached the fences, Harrison leaned against it and turned toward his cousin.
Levi didn’t look back, but stared into the group of horses. One horse lifted his head and came to him. Levi patted his strong shoulder, and then directed his attention back toward Harrison. The men were still in conversation at the fence when Reece was interrupted from her peaceful reverie.
“Good morning, Miss Bryant.” It was Jasmeen, carrying a tray of tea.
The Miss Bryant thing again. She thought as she dropped the curtains she had been hiding behind while watching the men. “Good morning, Jasmeen. Please call me Reece; ‘Miss Bryant’ is a little too formal for me.”
Jasmeen smiled kindly, “Very well, Reece. It is a lovely morning; is it not?”
Reece grinned, “It is. I was wondering if you were here or not, I thought I heard someone out here when I first woke up, but I have to say, I had no idea you would be here already.”
She laughed. “I’ve been in and out of this room. Your bed is made and your clothes laid out, all while you have been staring out the window.”
Reece blinked. “How did I miss that? And, Jasmeen, you don’t have to make my bed, too. I can do some work as well. Honestly, I am not used to people caring for me. You’ll spoil me, and when I go home to Earth, I’ll be helpless.”
Jasmeen smiled. “I suggest you should enjoy it as you would a fine vacation.”
Reece reached for her cup. “I guess I will.”
Jasmeen smiled as she left. Reece sipped her tea, and turned back to the window. Now, different people dressed in servants clothes bustled around, scrubbing steps, and pruning bushes.
Jasmeen returned to the room, ready to prepare Reece for the day. “Reece, as soon as you are ready, I have your outfit arranged for the day. I was told that you will be out shopping with Simone, Lillian, and Catherine. I must have you dressed properly if you plan to spend the day with them.”
She smiled and walked into the next room. Reece set her tea down, and followed behind. Jasmeen had everything, from make-up to shoes, laid out, and was ready to go to work.
Please don’t tell me we are back to corset dresses again. I’d hate to have to ruin Jasmeen’s morning, but I couldn’t really care less about how I look in front of those women, Reece thought as she followed Jasmeen into the vanity room. She walked over to the chair and sat down. “You really do not need to go to all this trouble. I can handle most of this myself.”
Jasmeen went to work as if she hadn’t heard a word, but she said, “Please—don’t worry about troubling me. This is what I do.”
Reece smiled. She couldn’t argue; she really did enjoy this part of the new world she was forced to live in. “Thank you, Jasmeen. In that case, what did you pick out for me to wear for this momentous occasion, another ball gown?”
