by Morgan, SL
Before another word was spoken on the subject, a servant entered the room and announced. “Emperor, King Nathanial awaits.”
“Thank you, James; please show him in.”
Chapter 24
A large, angry man erupted into the meeting room. Levi and Samuel stood. Navarre came around the desk, making his way to King Nathanial.
“Navarre, is there any new information—anything from Harrison or Levi?”
Navarre reached for his brother’s hand, and clapped him on the back, “Nathaniel, Harrison is well! Please sit, Levi returned to us nearly an hour ago, and has been informing us of the situation.”
Nathaniel relaxed somewhat as his gaze fell upon Levi. “Nephew, you’re back!” He approached him and brought him into an embrace. “Good to see you, even if you’re looking a bit battered! Please, tell me, what has become of Harrison?”
“Harrison is in the process of helping us in a strategy to recover our men, my Lord.” Levi answered.
“Come, sit, and I will explain,” Navarre said as he directed Nathaniel to an empty chair.
After explanations were given to King Nathaniel, he seemed somewhat reassured, and thanked Reece for her willingness to help put this plan into action.
Not long after the King had been caught up to speed, Levi took the opportunity to dismiss Reece so that she did not have to sit through any more of the men’s strategic discussions.
As he and Reece strolled down the corridor, she felt the exhaustion of the past week set in. While she had feared for Levi’s safety, her nights had been disturbed, and her days had been a battle to maintain a presentable appearance. Now that he was safely at her side, she felt her mind and body beginning to fade, and found it hard to concentrate. She smothered a yawn.
Levi chuckled and brought his arm around her. “You are tired, my love. Allow me to escort you to your room so that you may rest before dinner.”
Reece tried to protest, but another yawn betrayed her. She shook her head with frustration. “I am fine. If there is anyone who needs rest, it’s you.”
“Reece, I could not rest if I wanted to. There is still much to discuss with my father, and I must arrange some things in order to prepare you for our return to Earth. I’ll go over all of the details with you later this evening.”
Reece shook her head again. “Levi, I’m fine. I’d feel guilty lying down to rest, knowing that you all are working. It was my idea to make sure no other Guardians went with us into the castle—”
“That is why I need you to rest,” Levi interrupted her. “You have your work cut out for you now.” He teased.
“Exactly my point, I volunteer myself for a military mission, and now I’m going to go lie down and take a nap? I don’t think so. I think I need to start—”
“My love, I will hear no more. You will rest. I have plans after dinner tonight, and they include only you and me. It will be much more enjoyable for me if you are awake.”
Reece arched her eyebrow, staring up at him. “Are you giving me orders, Levi?”
“If that is what is required for you to rest, then yes, my sweetheart, I believe that is exactly what I am doing.”
Oh, well... There was no point in arguing with him when she couldn’t even fight her own exhaustion.
As soon as they arrived to her room, Levi bent down and kissed her softly. “Get some rest; I’ll see you at dinner tonight.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I love you.”
“Love you.” She said while fighting another yawn.
Levi’s mouth quirked and he laughed. Then he turned and walked away.
Reece lay down, but her mind would not stop ruminating about Levi, and the meeting with Navarre and Samuel. After what seemed to be an hour, she pulled herself up from her bed.
She opted to take a hot bath to help rejuvenate her. Once she finished and was dressed, she dismissed Jasmeen for the evening. She had an hour until the family would be gathering for dinner, so she decided to have a cup of hot tea, and pass the time quietly.
She sat on the comfortable sofa, and gazed out of the window. When she finished her tea, she set the cup aside, and rested her head on the arm of the sofa. Before she knew it, she was dreaming.
She was walking through an open, grassy field, and everything felt so peaceful. A crisp, fresh breeze bent the tall grass, while butterflies danced throughout the field as far as she could see. She stood there inhaling the fresh air. In the distance, she noticed a tall, slender figure approaching. You’ve come back to me. She watched, smiling and comforted, as he walked toward her. His long strides picked up as he realized it was she who waited for him. As he approached her, he smiled vibrantly. His eyes glowed radiantly with love. He pulled her close to him as she stood on her toes, deeply inhaling the rich fragrance of him that she had longed for. “I love you, Levi…”
“And I love you.”
Her eyes snapped open to find Levi on one knee in front of her. He brought the back of his fingers to caress her cheek. “My beautiful Reece, I hope I did not startle you?”
“Um, no. I think I must have dozed off. What time is it? Am I late for dinner?” Reece pulled herself up into a proper sitting position.
Levi chuckled in response. “No, love. But it is close to time. Are you feeling rested enough to join all of us? My Aunt Madeleine is looking forward to meeting you. My mother has done nothing but boast of the special young woman you are.” He smiled proudly to her. “Elizabeth has been talking about you nonstop as well.”
Reece cocked her head to the side. “I hope I can live up to all of this.”
Levi laughed and rose up. He extended his hand out to her. “Sweetheart, you need do nothing more than walk into that room, and everyone will be eating out of your hand.”
Reece smiled, and placed her hand into his.
When they arrived at dinner, Reece found herself at ease in the Palace for the first time in many days.
At dinner, Reece was introduced to Harrison’s mother, Madeleine; she was a striking woman, with black hair and green eyes. Though her coloring was so different from Lillian’s, their features were similar. Madeleine held herself very upright, and didn’t speak much; but whether that was just her way, or she was worried about Harrison, Reece couldn’t tell. She could not form an honest opinion of her, as Madeleine remained mostly quiet throughout the entire meal. When addressed directly, she would give short, though polite, answers.
Dinner went smoothly, and Reece remained comfortable as she discretely watched Levi from across the table. Her heart was overwhelmed with love as she sat there admiring every stunning quality he possessed. She watched as he ate his meal and answered inquiries from his father and uncle. Levi’s voice was cultured and smooth, but with a slight rasp that always seemed to make Reece’s heart flutter. Her heart raced in anticipation of when they would finally be alone together.
Reece was not the only one stealing glances at the table, on more than one occasion, she noticed Levi look in her direction. His face would become radiant as he grinned at her, before bringing his attention back to his plate. It was obvious that Levi was having the same difficulty getting through dinner as she was, as both now only wanted to be alone and in each other’s arms again.
After dinner, Elizabeth played the piano for her aunt and uncle. Levi quietly excused himself, saying he needed to speak with Reece, and led her out to the benches where they had sat the night before he went to Earth.
Before Levi could motion for her to sit, Reece turned toward him and wound her arms around his neck, bringing him into a tight embrace.
She fought back tears, but was unsuccessful. Levi leaned down, wrapping his arms around her waist. “My love, please don’t shed any more tears. I know this has been difficult for you, but I am home now, and we are together again.” He whispered in her ear.
Reece sniffed and laughed softly at her unexpected response to being with him again. She pulled away and gazed up into the face that she believed she’d never see again. Levi sl
ightly grinned as he tenderly brushed away her tears.
“I’m sorry, it’s just that, last night was the first time that I believed I might never see you again.” Tears returned to her eyes and she quickly wiped them away. “I think it’s all starting to hit me now, and I’m probably going to ruin our evening together by being an emotional wreck.” She said as she smiled up at him.
“After what you have been through, it is perfectly understandable.” He answered.
Levi guided her to sit, yet did not join her on the bench. His face was somber as he knelt down and took her hands into his. Reece stared at him in confusion as he slowly rubbed his thumbs over the back of her hands. His focus was intently on her hands as he exhaled.
“Levi?”
His darkened eyes met hers. “Reece, my father informed me of your confrontation with Simone, and how you dealt with the distressing position she placed you in.” He inhaled deeply. “I want to personally apologize to you for that. I should have been better aware—”
“Levi, no. Please don’t blame yourself for any of this. How was anyone supposed to know Simone would do something like that—and all because of jealousy? At first I thought she was making it all up to scare me. But, the more she talked, the more I wondered if the woman was truly that insane. And that’s when, regardless of what she said, I knew I had to get a message to your father immediately. I knew your father would know how to deal with the situation. And whether or not what Simone said was true,” she stared at Levi as she added, “I really think that woman is insane.”
Levi’s expression grew dark, “I have already paid her a visit, regarding the threat she made you. She is fully aware that if she as much as looks at you, she will have to answer to me. After my discussion with her, I want you to know that you have nothing to fear from that despicable woman.”
“Who is this Michael Visor guy that she planned all of this with, anyway?” Reece asked.
“Michael was one of mine and Harrison’s friends. We formed a close friendship while we were in Guardian training together; however, once Harrison and I were assigned to guard you, he started to distance himself from us.”
Reece shook her head, “It doesn’t make sense to me. Any of it. Why would he be involved—he’s a Guardian.”
Levi exhaled, “True; however, as I said in the meeting, he has always been envious of me. And now it makes perfect sense—as Guardian, protecting ‘the Key’ is the highest honor one can receive. I’m sure now, Michael was not happy when he wasn’t selected for that duty. Maybe that’s what this is all about—trying to sabotage mine and Harrison’s duties of protecting you?”
“Levi—let’s not talk about this anymore. Trying to analyze all of the motives of why Michael would betray Pemdas will frustrate you more. Our time is better spent making sure we can bring the rest of the Guardian’s home. I can’t imagine what their families are going through right now.”
Reece ran her fingers along the concerned lines on his face, and his expression softened at her touch. He took her hand and brought it to his lips. His eyes closed as he let his mouth linger against the palm of her hand.
“How is it that I can love you more now, than I did before?” His eyes were smoldering when he returned them to hers. “Thank you for the strength and support you offered my sister, and for being as courageous as you were in my absence. I am sorry that you had to deal with this alone, and that I was not here to protect you from Simone’s detestable behavior.”
“Please don’t apologize. You came back to me—that’s all I needed and wanted from you.” Reece smiled and Levi studied her.
He stood and sat next to her. Without saying another word, he brought one arm around her, and used the other to gently cradle her legs, bringing her effortlessly onto his lap.
He stared intently into her eyes. “As strong as I was enduring the torment we went through, there was a moment when I believed I would never hold you in my arms again. To believe I would never feel your closeness again,” he exhaled, “that was the only time I felt as though I would die.” The back of his fingers traced along her jawline and down her neck. “That was the only pain I suffered. And now, you are with me again, and in my arms. All I want is what I yearned for while I was imprisoned by those vile creatures. He grew more serious, and then carefully and studiously, his lips softly savored her skin as they ran along her neck, to the base of her throat. Reece’s body shivered at his warm breath against her skin.
“Your fragrance intoxicates me in ways that I can’t explain,” he whispered hoarsely. “To taste the sweet flavor of your soft skin—is almost more than I can bear. I have longed for this moment since the morning I left you.”
He brought his eyes back to meet hers. Reece’s heart beat erratically as she saw the hunger and passion in his eyes. She inhaled deeply as she watched him studying her. His grip around her waist tightened, and his other hand brushed softly up and along her arm.
“I love you, Levi.” She sighed.
He answered by cradling her head in his sturdy hand. Before she could take another breath, his mouth seized hers with a kiss so urgent and powerful, it consumed Reece entirely.
She ran her hands through his hair, wanting more from him. Levi answered this request by pulling her closer into him, and deepening their ardent kiss further. The pain of their separation was now lost in their passion for each other. Reece could not have asked for more than to be here now, in this moment, with the man she loved.
After some time of relishing in each other’s love, Levi withdrew, and Reece leaned into him. She listened as his rapidly beating heart found its normal rhythm again. She stared out at the glistening fountain with contentment, while Levi placed dozens of soft kisses throughout her hair.
“My sweetheart, as much as I desire to sit in silence and appreciate our time together again, I must go over some of the details of our training tomorrow with you.”
Reece chuckled and turned to look at him, “You’re probably right. I volunteered myself, so I should know what I’m going to be up against.”
Levi became serious, “Are you sure you are still feeling confident enough to return to Earth alone with me? Samuel and I have discussed this in more detail, and he believes he will be okay if he sacrifices one of the Guardian warriors he needs.”
Reece shook her head, “I will be fine. You guys just need to let me know what I have to do to help.”
Levi stared intently into her eyes. “Reece, you heard me say I’d need to prepare you if I couldn’t have another Guardian with me?”
“Yes.”
“We must prepare you the best way we can to defend yourself, in case we come upon a situation where I am unable to.” His eyes grew dark, and he inhaled deeply. “This goes against everything I am, to accept that I may not be able to protect you. If Harrison can arrange a sufficient distraction, you should have no need to defend yourself. However, we need to prepare for the worst.” He exhaled softly. “We need to use tomorrow to train you as quickly as possible for this. It will be a grueling exercise. Are you positive this is something you are willing to go through?”
“Grueling? Don’t you think what we are about to go through back on Earth will be hard enough in and of itself? Levi, you aren’t going to scare me out of this; I only hope I can learn as quickly as you guys might think I can. Hopefully the self-defense class I took in my first year of college will help.”
Levi showed a hint of a smile. “I must have you understand, Reece, this is not your average self-defense class. It is more of a mental training, and one that will be much harder on your nerves.”
Reece smiled confidently. “Hey, I’ll get to learn a little about what you guys do! It should be interesting.”
He smiled mischievously in return. “That, my love, we shall see.
Conversation behind them, they spent the remainder of the evening sitting comfortably in each other’s arms. Reece positioned herself to lie back against Levi, and rested her head against his chest. They both remained quiet
, enjoying the comfort of each other while watching the water glisten as it poured from the fountain into the pond in front of them.
Chapter 25
Jasmeen had Reece up before the sun. When she was dressed in her track suit, and ready for the day’s workout, she sat quietly on the sofa, and waited for Levi to come retrieve her. As she waited, she recalled the previous night’s events in her mind. The last things she remembered were the soothing sounds of the fountain, and Levi running his fingers gently through her hair. She must have fallen asleep. Wow, that’s awkward. Had he called a servant to carry her to bed? Or carried her himself?
When Jasmeen answered the knock at her bedroom door, Reece was a bit surprised to see that it was not Levi who stood there. Instead, he had sent a servant to escort her to the area where they would meet to go over the training he had planned for her.
They walked out beyond the barns, toward a group of long, windowless buildings that she had seen before, but never entered. Inside was something like a martial arts gym from Earth. Red pads covered the floors and lined the walls, and there were large punching bags placed throughout.
As the servant left her standing alone in the room, she was intimidated by what it represented. This was where the Guardians did their training, and now she was having second thoughts about whether or not she was up for this. She sighed. Way to go, Reece. Trying to play everyone’s hero, and you’re probably going to make an idiot out of yourself.
Levi, Samuel, and two other men entered from a door across the room. They wore loose, black pants, and tight, long-sleeved, black shirts that accentuated their muscles. Samuel and the two other men seemed to be pursuing another interest. They greeted her on their way out through the door Reece had entered by. Levi stopped in front of her, and she smiled confidently at him.
