by Morgan, SL
She sat on the sofa just outside the library, which was turning out to be her favorite place to study. Sitting out on the landing gave her a perfect view of the Palace’s main entry; however, Levi and his family rarely used this area to enter the Palace. So it came as a surprise that, while she was enveloped in a lengthy chapter of her book, the front doors of the Palace swung open, and a young woman walked through the doors holding Levi’s arm. She secretly watched the two make their way into the entryway. Levi’s smile was radiant as he escorted the beautiful woman into the Palace. Reece grinned; this must be Elizabeth.
Appearing to be close to the age of seventeen, Elizabeth was polished and lovely. She was dressed superbly, even for someone who had been traveling in a carriage for most of the day. Her beautifully-styled hair was a lighter hue of blond than Reece’s, and from what Reece could determine from this distance, she seemed to resemble her mother, just as Levi did his father.
Reece assumed they were on their way to meet Allestaine, and she brought her attention back to the book in her lap.
A few moments later, she was politely interrupted from her reading.
“I hope we are not intruding on your studies, Miss Bryant?” Levi questioned formally, surprising Reece.
Her head snapped up to find Levi and Elizabeth standing in front of her, both wearing brilliant smiles. Up close, Elizabeth was more beautiful than Reece had initially thought. This family couldn’t possibly be any more attractive.
Reece stood up, “Absolutely not, Levi.” She looked over at Elizabeth and smiled.
“Elizabeth, this is Miss Reece Bryant. Reece, please allow me to introduce you to my sister, Elizabeth.” Levi announced proudly.
Levi’s face was glowing as he stared down at Elizabeth. Reece could easily see the love and admiration he carried for his younger sister.
Elizabeth spoke softly. “Miss Bryant, it is truly an honor to meet you. I have heard so much about you. I hope you have been comfortable living here with us in Pemdas?”
Reece instantly felt the purity and properness Elizabeth carried within her. Reece smiled at her, “Elizabeth, please call me Reece. And yes, Pemdas is wonderful; I have been extremely comfortable while I’ve been here.”
Harrison made his way up the steps and over to the group. “Reece, I see you have finally met a young woman who is actually a pleasure to be in the same room with.” He proclaimed upon his approach.
Elizabeth’s cheeks colored lightly.
“Yes, Harrison, I think I have.” Reece smiled at Elizabeth.
Harrison laughed and brought his arm around Elizabeth, “Lizzy, you must know, Reece has had quite the impossible challenge of dealing with Simone, Lillian, and Catherine. It is good to have you among us all again at Pasidian.”
Elizabeth smiled up at Harrison. “Yes, it is good to be home. I am looking forward to accompanying Reece and mother to Casititor as well.”
“Elizabeth, your mother has been showing me all of the items already donated.” Reece added with excitement. “I think this will be an incredible trip. I’m really looking forward to joining you both.”
Levi politely interrupted the ladies conversation. “Reece, forgive me, but I was just bringing Elizabeth to meet with my mother. I fear if I delay any longer—”
Reece laughed. “Yes, your mother has been anxiously awaiting all of you.” She looked at Elizabeth, “It was very nice meeting you.”
“The pleasure was mine, Reece.” Elizabeth returned with gentle smile.
Reece sat back down as Levi, Elizabeth, and Harrison walked down the corridor together. She gazed intently at Levi as he escorted his sister, walking with his usual air of grandeur and nobility. He was incomparable to any man she had ever met. Yes, she was very excited he was home. What woman wouldn’t be thrilled to be around him again? Denying any attraction for Levi was beginning to seem futile at this point, it seemed that her heart had its own ideas.
Chapter 16
Over the next couple of days, the three women spent the majority of their time preparing for their trip. Elizabeth was proving to be a very humble and intelligent woman. It didn’t take Reece long to see the admirable similarities between Elizabeth and her mother, and she enjoyed her company a great deal.
The morning of their set departure; Navarre and Levi escorted the ladies to their carriage. They said their farewells, and were off to the city of Casititor.
The Pasidian Imperial Guards escorted them to the town. In front of their carriage, six men rode on white horses, carrying flags with the Emperor’s crest; and following behind the carriage were ten men, riding in the same fashion.
They arrived late that evening, and were shown to an exquisite apartment where they would stay for the next three days. Dinner was prepared and awaiting their arrival. As they ate, Allestaine shared her plans with Reece and Elizabeth for the neighborhoods they would be visiting in the city.
After breakfast the next day, Allestaine informed the guards that the first place they intended to visit was the bakery where Christopher’s mother was employed. As they began to get closer to the bakery’s location, Reece noticed a considerable change in the conditions of this part of the town. The two-story buildings that lined the streets were utterly dilapidated. The second stories of the businesses seemed to house the less fortunate living in the area. Reece noticed that tenants had put everything from towels to boards in the windows where glass had once been. Everything about this about this part of town was oppressive; it was all in disrepair.
Reece was taken aback by the scene before her. Sure she had seen impoverished communities before; however, she didn’t expect this in Pemdas. The places she had seen thus far would never have led her to believe these conditions existed in this world. Allestaine’s expression mirrored Reece’s disbelief. The look on the lady’s face was severe. It was obvious she was extremely displeased with the dire state of this part of the town.
Once they reached their destination, Allestaine requested that Reece and Elizabeth stay outside with the guards so that she could have a private audience with Christopher’s mother.
“It’s as if the government of the city has turned a blind eye to this part of city. It breaks my heart.” Elizabeth said to Reece as they waited for Allestaine to return from inside the small bakery.
“I agree. These conditions are depressing.”
“It’s extremely disheartening, Reece. Most of the money my mother raises is donated to this city, because it is one of the largest in its kingdom. I believe my mother will not rest easy until she has spoken with Mr. Sterlington about this.” Elizabeth said.
As the women continued discussing their disbelief about the situation, a small group of barefoot children wearing ragged clothes approached where they stood.
“You are both from the Emperor’s palace, aren’t you?” A young girl asked.
Elizabeth knelt down, bringing herself to the child’s level. “Yes, we are; and we have brought you children lots of goodies, too.” She reached down and tapped the little girl on her bare foot, “We have plenty of shoes for you as well, sweet one.”
The girl leaped and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth’s neck, almost causing her to fall over. “Miss, if there was anything I could ask for, it would be shoes.”
Reece restrained her tears, and held her arm out, “How would you children like to see all the gifts we’ve brought for you?”
The children shrieked with delight, causing Elizabeth and Reece to laugh in return.
Allestaine spent the majority of her time meeting with the adults in the area, learning more about their living conditions. She, Elizabeth, and Reece also toured the many different businesses, and gave them supplies they needed. She notified each business owner that the Palace would be funding all of the repairs that were required to return buildings back to their once excellent condition.
Each day while visiting this part of the city, people from all around would make their way to this location to meet the Empress. Most would thank her fo
r taking interest in the less fortunate, and would donate either personal items or money in an effort to help.
On the final day, Allestaine, Reece, and Elizabeth were at the bakery early. They sat at a small table inside, eating their breakfast.
“I find it interesting that Mr. Sterlington has not shown himself yet. He knows very well that I’ve been in town these last few days. I know he is avoiding me; this is the first time that I have ever had to send word to him that I am visiting his city. He expects me to believe that he had no idea I was visiting town?” Allestaine asked as she arched her brow at both women sitting across from her, “It only makes him guiltier for what he has done.”
“Well, Mother, from what Reece and I have learned from many of the townspeople, most of the citizens have unfavorable things to say about his practices.” Elizabeth responded.
“As well as they should.”
When they finished their breakfast, there was already a crowd of people outside the small building. The three women stood, and went out front to greet the townspeople who were waiting to meet them.
Mr. Sterlington appeared within the hour of Lady Allestaine’s arrival to the location. He waited patiently as she finished a conversation with one of the townspeople. Elizabeth and Reece were occupied by a group children; however, they became distracted by the scene before them.
“Your Imperial Majesty, forgive me for not arriving sooner to accept you properly into the city.” Sterlington said.
Allestaine turn to face Sterlington, offering the silver-haired man a stern, icy glare.
“Do not presume that I require your greetings to feel comfortable in this city.”
“Majesty, allow me to humbly beg your—”
“Hold your tongue, man. I am in no mood to hear any of your senseless words or excuses for the dreadful conditions I have been witnessing over the last three days in this part of the city.” Her eyes were like flint staring at him with utter repulsion. “I work very hard to make sure that those who are struggling are having their needs met. I believe you should know very well that most of my efforts have gone towards Casititor, because the population is great, and therein, the poverty levels are high.”
Mr. Sterlington was expressionless, yet guilt radiated from his pale blue eyes. “Allow me to—”
Her eyes blazed with fury at his interruption. “Mr. Sterlington,” her voice was low and steely, “I have nothing further to say to you. I have more important things to do than to talk you right now. You’re excused.”
Allestaine spun on her heel, and walked into the bakery. Mr. Sterlington slowly turned to leave. When he did, his eyes darkened when he noticed Reece staring at him. He frowned at her with a look of utter disgust. Reece felt an odd chill run through her, and immediately turned her attention back to the children who were playing a handball game in the street.
There was something about the silver-haired man that bothered her, she just couldn’t place it. As she contemplated the man’s character, one of the children overthrew the ball, and it began to roll down the street. Reece turned to run after it, and caught up to it almost a block from where she had been standing. She knelt to pick it up, and as she stood again, her heart raced when she noticed Levi walking up the sidewalk with Harrison. She laughed when she saw the crowds gather around forcing them to halt and interact with them.
Reece turned to bring the ball back to the children, but was suddenly face-to-face with an irate Mr. Sterlington. She gasped with shock, wondering where the tall, angry man had come from. Reece was instantly uncomfortable, and hoped the guards that stood outside of the bakery were watching her. She was relieved when she saw the three guards staring intently in her direction, and starting to make their way to where she stood.
“Reece Bryant!” Mr. Sterlington growled.
“Mr. Sterlington.” Reece returned in a stern, yet calm voice.
“I will have you know that I blame your presence in Pemdas for all of this.” He rumbled.
The man was obviously delusional as he spat his words violently out at her. Reece was startled by the unexpected confrontation, and had difficulty finding words in response to the man’s accusations. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Please excuse me.” She tried to walk past him.
The man gripped her arm tightly, causing Reece to gasp in pain, “I can see to it that your life is destroyed, madam. Whether they say that you are the Key or not, you are nothing but scum to me.” He smiled darkly searching Reece’s confused expression, “I can have you removed from Pemdas, you know?”
Reece tried to jerk her arm free. “Get your hand off of me,” She said harshly.
The man captured her other arm, and brought her face close to his, “You listen to me—”
“Sterlington! Remove your hands from Miss Bryant this instant!” Levi commanded in a deadly voice.
The man removed his grips from Reece, and his face paled as he turned to find Levi and Harrison standing tall and unyielding in front of him. Both men wore dangerous expressions, mirroring the imperial guards that now surrounded all of them.
“Your Imperial—”
“Not another word.” Levi snapped.
The guards stood a few feet away, giving Levi his space, and waiting for his command. Elizabeth quickly rushed to Reece’s side as Harrison stood in between both of the women protectively.
“Magnus Sterlington,” Levi addressed the man with superior command, “I demand to know why you have threatened Miss Bryant in such a way. You should know I have heard every threatening word you have said.”
The man swallowed hard and looked up into Levi’s fiery gaze, “I was only upset about—”
“Your threats are treasonous!” Levi interrupted him.
The man laughed nervously. “Come now, your Highness, let us not overreact.”
Levi’s jaw tightened, and his eyes became fierce. “You forget who you are speaking to! I suggest you guard your words in my presence, Sterlington!” Levi nodded to the guards standing in the distance, and they approached immediately. “Gentlemen, take him to the prison chambers; the Emperor will decide his fate for the threats he has made against Miss Bryant. I will not waste another word on this man.”
Reece didn’t have a chance to see the man’s reaction before the guards swiftly gripped him and led him out and away from the street.
Levi turned to face Reece, his form still dangerous and stiff, “Miss Bryant, are you okay?” He asked solemnly.
She smiled faintly, mildly intimidated by his current disposition. “I’m fine, Levi, thank you.”
Levi nodded and offered his arm, “Let us get you back to where my mother is.”
Reece took his arm. “Can he really get rid of me?” She asked as Levi escorted her back toward the bakery.
Harrison laughed, breaking through the tension. “HA! That’ll be the day.”
“Reece, you have nothing to fear. Do you think I would let anything happen to you? It is Harrison’s and my duty to protect you, whether on Earth or in Pemdas.” Levi added in a serious voice, “Do not concern yourself over him; he will be dealt with accordingly.”
They were in the city for less than an hour before they said their farewells to everyone. Allestaine promised a return visit in the coming months to check on the progress of the restorations, much to the delight of the townspeople.
Levi escorted Lady Allestaine to their awaiting carriages, walking ahead of Harrison, Reece, and Elizabeth. He still seemed upset over the confrontation with Mr. Sterlington, and it seemed as though he and his mother were sharing their own private conversation about the incident.
“So, my ladies; other than dealing with Sterlington, how was your visit?” Harrison asked.
“It was a wonderful experience, as it always is when helping my mother with her charity work.” Elizabeth responded.
“It was really extraordinary to be able to take part in this. I have to admit, before Levi brought me here, and we ran into Christopher, Pemdas was starting to freak me out a l
ittle.”
Elizabeth softly laughed, as Harrison looked at Reece, “Starting to freak you out a little? If this is such a frightening world for you to experience, maybe Levi and I should take you into a few other dimensions out there.”
“That came out wrong,” Reece responded with a laugh. “It’s just that, I was starting to believe that Pemdas was some strange and perfect world; a place that didn’t experience poverty.”
“I must say I am shocked to hear you say that you thought Pemdas was perfect.” Harrison answered.
“Well, I was getting that impression, yes. But given that I had been staying exclusively around the Palace, I guess that’s why I would come to that conclusion.”
Harrison laughed, “Even after being in the company of my sister, Simone, and Catherine—at the Palace—you still imagined Pemdas was perfect?” He cocked his head.
Reece and Elizabeth both laughed. “That’s a good point.” Elizabeth said.
“Hmm, you got me there, Harrison.”
When they returned to the Inn, they had lunch while the luggage and carriages were being prepared. Harrison and Levi rode along side of the convoy, assisting the escort home.
As they rode home, Reece stared out of the carriage window, secretly admiring Levi as he rode alongside. He sat tall and authoritatively in his saddle, and she inwardly marveled to herself that Levi was the epitome of the perfect man. She realized now, as she watched him ride gallantly alongside their carriage, that this was the type of man she could truly love.
For the first time since her father’s passing, she felt contentment in her life; happiness that only Levi seemed to ignite in her. It was as if he filled a void she never knew existed. Was there a possibility that she could be falling in love with him? She couldn’t deny it anymore; it was obvious she already had. But would he ever love her in return? The idea of that possibility brought a shiver of excitement through her. Against her better judgment, she closed her eyes, and imagined herself in his arms.
