Chapter 2

Reece, Elizabeth, and Allestaine walked leisurely through the palace gardens. The fragrance of the fresh blooms and the soft breeze wafting across Reece’s face complemented the nature of the soothing environment around her.

Reece was grateful that Allestaine had suggested that the three women spend this time outside and away from the palace. She would have never believed that a building as monumental as the palace could make her feel so claustrophobic. Kings and their families had filled every part of the massive structure, and there seemed to be no way of avoiding them.

Since her return from Armedias, the treatment she received from the physicians in Pemdas helped promote her rapid recovery. She was thrilled when Allestaine suggested they spend their afternoon outdoors in order to retreat from the activity in the palace. The fresh air was exhilarating, and the warmth of the sun on Reece’s skin was calming.

The ladies strolled through the palace gardens. “It is truly amazing how a beautiful day can lift even the lowest of spirits,” Elizabeth observed as they walked along the path.

Allestaine turned to face Elizabeth but stopped suddenly when she saw a visitor approaching from behind. Unexpectedly, her face radiated with excitement when she acknowledged who was nearing them. Reece turned. Levi! she thought as her eyes locked for a moment with his weary ones. As Allestaine approached her son, Reece studied his appearance. He had been so occupied with the responsibilities of assuming his new position as emperor that Reece was fortunate if she had five minutes alone with him. It felt as if she hadn’t seen him in nearly a month. She longed to have him embrace her wholeheartedly, to have more time with him, and most of all to ensure that he was coping with everything well.

Levi’s face was worn, and Reece’s heart ached for him. Behind the faint smile he offered her, she saw the grief in his jewel-like blue eyes. It was obvious he was trying to cover his anguish and his weariness, and because of that Reece became all the more concerned for him. She stood patiently at Elizabeth’s side as Allestaine addressed her son.

“Levi, this is a wonderful surprise indeed!” Allestaine greeted him cheerfully. “I trust everything is settled with the Council of Worlds after your visit with them today.”

“There is no need to bore you with the details, mother; they reacted no differently than was expected,” Levi answered her formally. “To their credit, they did express their sympathy for the loss of our emperor.”

Allestaine gazed purposefully into her son’s eyes. “My son, you have no need to be reserved with me. Your father and I have had many discussions about how those leaders truly feel about the Guardians’ responsibilities.” She smiled faintly. “I have spoken with your uncle and King Hamilton, and I have no doubt your father would have been proud of you today.”

Levi bit down hard on his bottom lip and gazed out into the shrubbery behind his mother. Reece quickly picked up on his emotions, knowing he was suppressing thoughts of his father. His expression changed drastically, and Reece saw the pain he was trying to hide in his piercing blue eyes. She felt an overwhelming desire at that moment to hold him and bring him comfort.

Levi brought his attention back to his mother and cleared his throat. “I do hope the leaders took my words as seriously as they would have his,” he answered in a low voice.

“I am certain they did,” Allestaine answered proudly. She exhaled softly. “Son, you appear quite exhausted. You must find time to rest, my darling.” She tenderly caressed his cheek. “Until then, I believe it will serve you well to have some time alone with Reece, as I know that neither of you have had the pleasure of each other’s company in quite some time.” She glanced at Reece with an affectionate smile, and then back to Levi. “I will see to it that you and Reece are not interrupted for the rest of the afternoon. If you will excuse Lizzy and me, I believe it will serve as a very entertaining distraction for us to hear Harrison’s animated narrative of today’s events.” She laughed softly as she nodded toward Elizabeth.

Elizabeth embraced her brother with a hug. “Please heed Mother’s advice. You and Reece should enjoy the solitude of your afternoon, and we shall see you both at dinner tonight.”

Elizabeth stepped toward her mother while Levi nodded in response. “Harrison is with King Hamilton and Uncle Nathaniel.”

Allestaine smiled. “Well then, it would seem that our afternoon promises to be more and more amusing,” she murmured with a soft laugh before turning with Elizabeth to walk back toward the palace.

Reece wasted no time approaching Levi and wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you!”

Levi brushed his hand over Reece’s hair and rested his chin on her head. “I have missed you as well, my love,” he said as she felt him place a soft kiss on her head.

Reece stepped back and ran her fingers under his eyes as she gazed into them. “You look so exhausted. You should—”

Levi grabbed her hand and kissed it tenderly before he scooped her into his arms and carried her over a small bridge to where stone benches surrounded one of the large fountains in the palace gardens. “I should,” he kissed her lips, “be with you,” he said as he sat on a bench, still cradling her in his arms.

Reece traced her fingers along the distressed lines of his forehead. “It seems like the only times I’ve seen you lately are when you have snuck out of your meetings to work with Arrow.” She smiled at his guilty expression.

He sighed in return. “I intended to surprise you with that.” He kissed her forehead. “It looks like you have uncovered my secret. Forgive me for spending so much time apart from you; I wanted to have him fully trained for you to ride as a wedding gift.”

Were it not for the seamstress delivering and altering her wedding dress, the last thing on Reece’s mind would have been her and Levi’s wedding. The atmosphere of the palace was far too chaotic with the death of the emperor for her to concentrate on wedding arrangements.

Reece smiled sympathetically at him. “I’m teasing you,” she answered with a laugh. “From what I can tell, it seems like working with Arrow has been therapeutic for you. It’s not healthy for you to be stuck indoors and in meetings all day.”

“Therapy is one word for it. Your horse has quite the spirit.” Reece laughed as Levi nuzzled his lips on her neck. “For now, I wish to speak no more about anything and simply enjoy our solitude together,” he said as he trailed a line of kisses along her neck.

“That sounds wonderful to me,” she shivered as she tilted her head back to expose more of her neckline to him.

Levi happily accepted her gesture, and soon after his lips seized hers in an overwhelming kiss. Reece ran her fingers through his hair, grateful to be in his arms again. They stayed this way for a long while before Levi gently withdrew from her.

Reece sat there catching her breath as Levi continued to bestow soft kisses across her face and jawline.

He ran his sturdy hand along her arm. “Are you feeling well today, my love?” he asked as he leaned back. He gazed into her eyes. “You, my mother, and Lizzy appear to be coping well.”

“I’m feeling wonderful, especially now that I am here with you. In regard to your mother and Lizzy, they do seem to be managing well enough. Elizabeth has had her moments of sadness, but Lady Allestaine has been a constant support to both of us while you’ve been away. She is dealing with the loss of her husband so differently than I would ever have imagined. She is a very strong woman.”

“She is, indeed,” Levi grinned. “Either way, I cannot thank you enough for being by her and my sister’s side during my absence.” He caressed her cheek as he studied her face. “Are you sure you are feeling okay? The physician has reported that you are completely healed; however, I want to be sure the busy atmosphere of the palace is not too overwhelming for you.”

Reece tilted her head to the side. “Yes, trust me. Jasmeen fusses over me like a mother hen each morning and ensures that I am feeling well before she lets me out of her sight. I have enjoyed being with your mother and sister,” she ran her fingers through his thick, wavy hair, “and it has served to pass the time while you’ve been busy. I’m perfectly fine; I’m only worried about you.” She gazed into his fatigued eyes. “You look very tired. How are you coping with all of this?” she asked, hoping he would open up to her.

“There is no need to worry about me,” he said as his lips claimed the side of her neck. “Everything I should desire is in my arms. I am perfectly well now.” He returned his eyes to hers and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I love you,” he said earnestly.

***

The next morning, Reece walked out of her dressing room and clasped her bracelet around her wrist. She absently rubbed the slender arrow, feeling overcome by concern for Levi. She wandered over to her divan and sat for a moment to enjoy a cup of tea.

She was up earlier than usual, and she sighed in relief when she learned that most of the kings and their families were already departing the palace to return to their respective kingdoms.

Reece desperately hoped Levi would not be detained by any business today, and she hoped that perhaps they could enjoy some time alone to talk about how Levi was handling the passing of his father and his new role as emperor.

“Reece, Master Harrison is here for you,” Jasmeen announced.

Harrison? Reece thought in disbelief. He was the last person she expected to arrive at her room this early. She stood to greet him. “This is a surprise,” she said as she walked over to Harrison. “Is everything okay?”

Harrison smiled faintly. “Forgive me if I have intruded on you, Reece, but I wanted a moment alone to speak with you about Levi.”

Reece smiled sympathetically at Harrison’s apologetic expression. She took a seat on the sofa across from him. “First of all, when have you ever asked anyone to forgive you for anything?” She laughed. “You don’t need to use the Pemdai formalities with me; you’re going to make me uneasy. I’m already worried about Levi, and I don’t have the energy to worry about you, too,” she teased.

Harrison laughed. “You are correct. The meeting I have just come from with Levi seems to have put me off of my game.” His face grew somber as he stared into the teacup Jasmeen handed him.

Reece watched him with trepidation. “What’s going on? What happened?”

Harrison swallowed a sip of his tea. “Levi left the palace abruptly after an unexpected outburst this morning. I have been quite bothered about how he has been dealing with everything, but he will not open up to me.” Harrison looked at Reece. “I am hoping you might be able to talk with Levi. If there is anyone that may be able to get through to him, it’s you!”

Reece’s heart began to race, and the expression on Harrison’s face wasn’t helping. This was exactly what she was worried about. “Do you have any idea where he went?”

Harrison shook his head. “I have no clue. He apologized for his outburst, then told me he needed to get away. He has always been the type to take a ride to ease his tensions, but I became even more concerned when he requested that I tell no one that he was leaving…especially you.” Harrison looked at her genuinely. “You know I am not one to violate someone’s trust, but I feel there is much more going on within Levi than he would have us believe. I am uncertain about why he was adamant I not tell you he was leaving the palace, but I knew I needed to let you know.”

Reece thought for a moment before an idea as to where he may have gone came to her. “I think I know exactly where he is, but I need you to ride there with me.”

Harrison’s face lit up. “Your carriage should be ready to go within the hour.”

“Then we won’t go by carriage. I don’t want to waste any time,” she stated simply.

Harrison looked at Reece quizzically. “Well, the Guardian horses are the only horses currently at the palace, and—”

“Perfect. I’ll meet you at the stables. Please have Javian saddle Arrow for me,” Reece responded determinedly.

Harrison chuckled in disbelief. “Arrow? Absolutely not! Have you lost your mind as well?”

Reece grinned. “Yes, Arrow; and no, I haven’t lost my mind. Over the last two weeks, I’ve been watching Levi work with him. I can see that he’s ready to ride now.”

“Reece, do you realize the stubbornness of that young horse? The trouble he is giving Levi? He’s worse than Areion ever was. There is no way—”

“Harrison,” Reece interrupted, “if you don’t tell Javian to saddle Arrow for me, I will find a way to do it myself.”

Harrison’s eyes narrowed as he groused, “You sound like your intended husband.” He brought both hands to his hips and grinned. “I will meet you at the stables, and then I will face my cousin’s wrath when and if we encounter him.”

Reece walked to where Jasmeen was organizing the clothes in her closet. “I need to change,” she said as she plucked her riding jacket off its hanger. Jasmeen located the rest of the riding ensemble and quickly helped Reece change into it.

Once she was dressed and ready to ride, Reece walked to the stables where Harrison waited with Javian. “Miss Bryant, please. I have already sent for another horse,” Javian pleaded. “The horse should be here within the next ten minutes. I am uncomfortable with you riding Arrow; Master Levi needs more time to guarantee that you will be safe with him.”

Reece smiled as she pet Arrow on his muscular neck. “I appreciate your concern, Javian, but Arrow and I will be perfectly fine,” Reece answered as she noticed the new black saddle strapped to her stallion. “Besides, he’s already saddled.”

Harrison crossed his arms and leaned against the fence. “Javian, you waste your time attempting to convince her otherwise. Don’t worry, my friend,” he clapped Javian on the shoulder, “Levi will have both our heads if anything were to happen to Reece. Nevertheless, she will not budge from her demands.” He pushed himself off the fence. “I, myself, should like to see how this stallion responds to her mastering him,” he said with a smirk.

Reece exhaled. “I’ll be fine, and I will personally take the blame if anything happens.” She looked at Javian. “Harrison will be with me for the entire ride. I am sure Saracen will help to keep Arrow in line as well.”

She grabbed Arrow’s reins, but before she could step into the stirrup, Harrison stopped her.

“Reece, before you mount up, you need to know that Guardian horses are much different than the others you have ridden.”

“I have already gone through this with Levi,” she stated confidently, “and I’ve already ridden, or should I say mastered, Areion.”

“Alone?” Harrison questioned.

“No, Levi was with me.”

“There is a monumental difference, Reece: Levi was with you.” Harrison rested his arm over Arrow’s saddle. “Now, from the moment you step into that stirrup, you must mentally give yourself over to Arrow. If he approves of you mastering him, well, then Javian and I will not have to worry about Levi’s condemnation this evening. If not—”

“If not? Maybe you shouldn’t put those thoughts in my head right before I get on the horse, Harrison.” Reece arched her brow at him.

Harrison sighed. “Good point.”

Reece turned and without hesitation stepped into the stirrup and swung her leg over the massive stallion’s back before settling into the saddle. She reached for the reins and leaned over to pet Arrow’s firm neck.

It appeared as if everyone had frozen in place except for Arrow, who immediately raised and turned his head to study Reece. Harrison’s eyes were intense as he stared at the young horse, and Reece could feel the tension radiating like heat from Javian as he watched Arrow. The men stood at either side of the horse, ready and waiting for whatever Arrow’s response might be to Reece wanting to master him.

“Hello, Arrow. How’s my boy? I’ve missed you!” Reece greeted the stallion cheerfully.

Arrow jerked his head out, stomped his feet, and grunted in response. Harrison sighed in relief while Javian reached out to a fence post for support.

Reece could not help but burst into laughter at the sight of the two men. She reached out and patted Arrow on his strong, powerful shoulder. “These men stress out way too much, don’t you think? Now, let’s go find your dad!” Reece said as she directed the horse away from the stables.

Harrison shook his head. “You have got to be kidding me.”

Javian chuckled. “I have never seen anything like it. This horse has always been fond of Miss Bryant in a way Master Levi and I could never understand.”

Harrison hoisted himself up on Saracen. “Well, Arrow,” he said as he directed Saracen over to where Arrow stood gallantly, “show me what you’ve got, boy!”

With that, both stallions set out at rapidly away from the palace grounds.

Harrison and Reece slowed their horses as they rode along the tree-covered road that led to the stately home Levi had purchased for him and Reece.

“Thank you for riding with me. If Levi is here, it’s probably best that I speak with him alone,” Reece said.

Harrison grinned, “Allow me to be certain he is here; then believe me, I will leave directly.” He nodded toward Arrow, who was trotting briskly on the road. “If he is still in the same mood he left me in, I do not wish to be anywhere near him when he sees that you have ridden Arrow here on your own.”

“I’m not worried about that. If he’s in the state of mind that I think he’s in, I highly doubt he’ll notice that I rode here on Arrow.”

As the road opened out from under the trees, the imposing house was the first sight to greet them. Reece looked around for a moment before she spotted Areion grazing by the large pond to the right of the house, and then she saw Levi sitting on the stone bench that faced their small lake.

Both horses halted. “Are you sure you want me to leave?” Harrison asked. His tone was sincere as he stared somberly to where Levi sat alone.

Reece smiled at Harrison reassuringly. “We’ll be fine.” She reached over and patted his arm. “Thank you again for coming with me.”

Harrison nodded. Reece could tell that seeing his cousin in this state troubled Harrison immensely.

Harrison turned Saracen. “I will see you back at the palace.”

“Harrison,” Reece softly called out. “I’m sure he’ll want to talk to you when we return; either to yell at you or something else of that nature.” She offered him an encouraging smile.

Harrison chuckled. “I am quite certain you are correct about that,” he said while directing Saracen back down the road.

Reece guided Arrow toward the pond where Levi sat. It was quite a distance from their stately home, and as such, Levi had no idea Reece and Harrison had shown up. Once close enough, Reece dismounted from Arrow and left the stallion to wander over to Areion. She slowly and quietly made her way to where Levi sat leaning forward, resting his elbows on both knees.

“Levi,” she called out to him softly.

Levi’s head snapped up, and when Reece saw his face and looked into his eyes, it took every ounce of strength within her to restrain her tears.