Chapter 5

The day that Levi and Reece were set to be married had finally arrived. Reece had hardly slept a wink the previous evening, riddled with excitement about what Levi was planning for their ceremony.

Jasmeen and three maidens had spent hours that morning on Reece’s hair, makeup, and dress fitting. When they were assured every last detail was attended to, they left the vanity room. Reece stood in front of the large mirrors of the room, spellbound by the final result.

The gown she wore was stunning, yet simple in its appearance, and Reece could not have been more impressed with the final result. The silky white dress accentuated her slender frame and flowed gracefully down before it swept into a short train behind her. The bodice front was cut square and lined with a jeweled sapphire trim that was highlighted with vibrant, miniature diamonds. Three slender strands with the same diamond and sapphire stones swept over her shoulders, glistening brightly under the lights of her dressing room.

Reece turned slightly to glance at the back of her gown again. A silk material was attached by jewels to the top of her shoulders, sweeping into a swag pattern that framed the shimmering lace material covering her back. A large sapphire jewel gathered the satin material into an intricate style at her lower back before flowing onto the floor behind her. It fit her flawlessly and framed her body beautifully.

Reece stood in astonishment as she watched the numerous diamonds and sapphires sparkle against her creamy skin. She laughed softly with excitement as she gave a small twirl. The finished product of what she and Lady Allestaine had designed together was much more than elegant—it was enchanting.

Three slender bands embellished with tiny diamonds and sapphires sparkled against Reece’s honey-blonde curls, which Jasmeen had arranged meticulously on the top of her head. You look like you fell out of a fairy tale, Reece thought in humor.

She smiled brilliantly at her reflection in the mirror, excitement radiating through her as she held up the front of her dress to examine the sapphire blue heels that were designed to match the blue details of her dress. They were coated in an array of glittery diamonds, adding a distinctive quality to them.

“You, my darling Reece, are a sight to behold. You look unquestionably astonishing,” Lady Allestaine proclaimed as she entered the dressing room.

Reece turned and walked over to embrace the empress. “Thank you so much. The dress is so much more amazing than I thought it would be. I’m in awe of it.”

Lady Allestaine stepped back, took both Reece’s hands into hers, and examined the beautiful gown with pride. “My dear, you are the reason this dress is a portrait of loveliness.” She looked into Reece’s eyes. “I could not have dreamt of a more perfect and strong woman for my son. I am honored to have you as my daughter.”

Lady Allestaine released Reece’s hands and walked over to a table where a black velvet box sat next to the dozens of glimmering blue roses Levi had sent to her room that morning. She picked up the box and walked back toward Reece, beaming as she faced the box toward Reece and opened it. Inside the velvet box sat a silver tiara lying delicately on a satin material. It was crafted with bold blue stones set in a pattern with a multitude of glistening diamonds. Reece held her hand over her heart as she studied the exquisite piece.

Lady Allestaine laughed softly as she gently turned Reece to face the enormous mirrors in front of them. She walked in front of Reece and gazed lovingly into her eyes. “This was Navarre’s mother’s tiara. It was created for her to match the ring you wear, which shows your commitment to Levi. These magnificent stones are from Earth as well. At the time Navarre’s father acquired these jewels, they were the only stones of this color and were extremely rare. The headdress was designed for Elisia to wear during her marriage celebration to the emperor, because she loved the jewels immensely,” Lady Allestaine said as she placed the tiara on the crown of Reece’s head. “It now belongs to you. You are a rare gem for this family, and you are loved beyond measure by all of us,” she said as she positioned the ringlets of Reece’s hair to gather around the glistening crown.

“Lady Allestaine,” Reece inhaled deeply, “this is more than I could ever ask for. Please—”

Before Reece could finish her sentence, a gasp from the doorway caused both women to turn. Elizabeth stood in the opening with a bright smile on her face. “Reece, you look absolutely sensational. I am speechless,” she said as she approached Reece with a decorative gift box.

Elizabeth carefully embraced Reece and offered the gift to her. “Levi has instructed me to offer you this as a gift from all of us.”

Reece smiled as she opened the box to find the earrings and necklace that matched the gemstone of her ring. Lady Allestaine pulled the jewels from the box as Reece stood frozen and at a loss for words. She gently clasped a strand of diamonds that held a deep blue gemstone around Reece’s neck. The gemstone fell perfectly in place, covering the center of her décolletage. Gemstones fashioned as tear drops hung neatly on each of her ears, and the deep blue color of the jewels glistened in the light as they dangled.

Tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes as she stood admiring Reece’s final appearance. Then she softly laughed. “My brother is likely to sweep you off your feet and carry you away before any words are spoken in the ceremony when he sets his eyes upon you.” She stepped forward and embraced Reece once more. “It is truly an honor for me to call you my sister on this day. I am overwhelmed with joy.”

Reece tightly embraced Elizabeth. “I feel the same way,” she softly returned, overwhelmed by the emotions filling the room. “Now, let’s hope I don’t trip with these heels I’m wearing, and I might just pull all of this off.”

Elizabeth stepped back and laughed. “You will be marvelous; I have no doubt of that.” She glanced over at Lady Allestaine who was standing still, admiring both young women. “King Hamilton is awaiting me in the carriage to escort me to my seat.” Elizabeth smiled at Reece. “This will be a marvelous ceremony indeed, and one I shall never forget.”

Reece embraced Elizabeth once more. “I am highly anticipating it as well.” Reece stepped back and smiled at Elizabeth. “I’m also looking forward to hearing all of the music you have composed for our wedding. I can’t thank you enough for everything, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth smiled mischievously and offered Reece a small curtsey. “I must say, after you witness the décor of your wedding location, I doubt you will hear a sound coming from the piano.” She gathered her dress with her hands. “Now, if you will excuse me, the piano awaits,” Elizabeth said with a laugh and left the room.

Lady Allestaine continued to make small adjustments to Reece’s dress. When she finished, she stood back and smiled. “I must say, you will steal everyone’s hearts today, this I know for certain.”

“Lady Allestaine?” Reece questioned in a solemn voice. “May I speak with you for a moment?”

Lady Allestaine’s expression grew serious. “Of course.”

Reece took her hand and led her over to a private chaise in the vanity room. “I’m not sure if right now is the time to bring this up, and I really should have asked Levi first, because I don’t want to offend or burden you in any way.”

Lady Allestaine brushed her hand over Reece’s cheek. “Do not concern yourself with overburdening me. What is it that is bothering you?”

“I really shouldn’t be thinking about any of this on my wedding day, but then again, I never thought I’d be marrying an emperor.” Reece laughed nervously.

Lady Allestaine laughed as well. “I agree.” She smiled warmly. “The only thing that should be on your mind is becoming the wife of Emperor Levi Oxley,” she said with excitement.

“Exactly. But this is why I am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment,” Reece said as she exhaled.

Lady Allestaine grew more serious. “Reece, what is overwhelming you?”

Reece’s lips twisted as she shuffled her thoughts. “Bear with me, because I’m not sure if I can properly put into words what I am feeling. You giving me this tiara and these jewels has brought something to my attention that I hadn’t been considering at all.” Reece glanced past Lady Allestaine, and then stared intently into her warm green eyes. “I have to admit, I always have trouble remembering Levi’s position in this world. I never gave much thought to him being the son of the emperor, because he is so much more than that to me, and now he has become the emperor. I guess what I am trying to say is that after Levi and I are married, am I supposed to be the new empress? Is that how it works in Pemdas?”

“This is what you are so troubled about?” Lady Allestaine laughed softly. “Indeed, this is one of the reasons my son is profoundly in love with you. Do not concern yourself over your duties as empress. Yes, marrying the Emperor of Pemdas will give you not only his name, but you will also share his station in our world. A coronation ceremony will eventually take place, but that only serves to honor you as our new empress.”

Reece’s heart beat rapidly. “I’m not sure I’m prepared to become the empress so soon, Lady Allestaine. Pemdas has already grieved the loss of Emperor Navarre; if I could wish anything, it would be that they won’t lose the empress they also love so much.”

Lady Allestaine tilted her head to the side and smiled sympathetically. “That is the very reason you will make a most gracious empress and will be adored by our people. Your humility in this matter will shine through, and they will see it.”

“I will confidently stand at Levi’s side and assume my rightful place, not only as his wife, but as the empress as well,” she shifted in her seat, “but I humbly request that you will be at my side during this transition.”

Lady Allestaine offered Reece a warm smile. “I will gladly be at your side so long as you desire it.”

Reece nodded. “You cannot imagine my relief to hear that, not only for me, but for all of Pemdas.”

Both women stood when Jasmeen entered the room. “Lady Allestaine, King Nathaniel is here to escort you to the ceremony location.”

Lady Allestaine leaned in to place a soft kiss on Reece’s cheek. “It is time, my darling. Harrison should be here momentarily to retrieve you.” She stepped back and took in the image of Reece once more. “Your beauty is immeasurable. I eagerly await your arrival, and I am confident our guests do as well,” she said with a broad grin before turning to exit the vanity room.

“Reece, would you care for a cup of tea to help you relax before your departure?” Jasmeen offered as she arranged more curls to accentuate Reece’s tiara. “You appear quite frazzled.”

“Frazzled? That’s one way to put it.” Reece laughed. “No, thank you. In my current state, I’d most likely spill it down the center of this dress,” she answered.

“Very well, then. I will see you when you arrive at the ceremony location,” the maiden responded before leaving the room.

One last glance in the mirror, and Reece walked out to her sitting room to await Harrison’s arrival. To her surprise, he was already there. He stood sipping a glass of wine in front of the fireplace and turned as soon as she entered the sitting room.

Harrison set his wine glass on the elaborate mantle before walking over to Reece and extending his gloved hand to her. Reece smiled as she placed her hand in his, and Harrison bowed formally over it. He gently brushed his lips over her knuckles and straightened. “Reece, you are an exquisite sight to behold. My cousin is a lucky man, indeed.”

Reece smiled. “Thanks, Harrison. Please, don’t be so formal; you’re making me nervous. Besides, you look pretty handsome yourself! Gray tailcoat and a top hat? I’m speechless,” she teased.

“Oh, do not be ridiculous. As you should know very well by now, my handsome features know no bounds,” Harrison playfully returned as he drew her arm up into the bend of his. “However, it is not often that a woman takes my breath away, such as you have done just now.” He winked at her. “It is truly an honor to be the one to escort my cousin’s bride to him,” he said, becoming more serious.

Reece recalled the absence of her father and the realization that Harrison was standing in his place. She fought back her tears, knowing that in her heart he was there with her, whether in person or not.

She looked somberly at Harrison. “Thank you,” she returned, “your friendship means a lot to me, and I know my father would approve of you being the one giving his only daughter away.”

She felt the tears well up in her eyes. Harrison bent down and kissed her tenderly on her cheek. “As I said, it is my honor. Now, before you start shedding tears and ruining your makeup,” he smiled, “let us get you to the man who eagerly awaits your arrival.”

Harrison led Reece out into a different courtyard in the palace where a white, luxurious carriage awaited them. It had an opened top with plush blue velvet seats that shimmered in the light of the afternoon sun. Two footmen were polished in their royal regalia, standing perfectly straight on the back of the carriage. The coachman and an imperial guard were dressed identically, and Reece felt her heart start hammering against her chest as the importance of this day began to sink in.

Fortunately as they approached, one of the well-dressed palace guards walked over to open the door for Reece and Harrison.

Harrison dismissed the footman with a grin. “Until Miss Bryant has been delivered in impeccable condition, I believe it is my responsibility to keep the bride in my care until the emperor receives her.”

The guard smiled faintly and stepped back. He glanced at Reece, offered her a formal nod before clasping his hands behind his back, and stood properly next to the carriage. Glistening ivy and a multitude of vibrant, multicolored flowers ran along the top of the carriage and matched the decor of the four white horses that patiently waited for the coachman to guide them out of the courtyard.

Once Harrison guided Reece up into the carriage and she was settled in the seat behind the coachman, Harrison hopped into the carriage and sat in the seat across from her. He smiled amusingly at Reece as he glanced down at her fidgeting hands.

“Nervous?” he asked as he adjusted his top hat and sunk back into the comfort of his seat.

“Excited would be a more accurate term,” Reece answered in a soft voice.

Harrison knowingly grinned as he glanced down at her fidgeting hands. “Ah, I stand corrected. My observational skills must be somewhat off today.”

Reece exhaled. “All right, I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be?” she said as she glanced at the beauty that surrounded them.

Harrison laughed. “Well, you have no need to be. Levi is anxiously awaiting your arrival.” He glanced up at the scenery they were slowly traveling through. “And I must admit, everything you are about to witness was all his doing. Your soon-to-be husband has astounded me with his creativity, of which I would have never assumed he possessed.”

Reece glanced up as the sun dimmed in the archway of flowering and glowing bushes they were traveling through.

“Where are we?” Reece asked as she gazed up at the twinkling flowers streaming down from above.

“We are in the palace gardens,” Harrison simply answered.

The beauty of the scenery and Harrison’s calm demeanor began to fade all of Reece’s anxiety. This magical land would never cease to amaze her. “Levi did all of this?”

Harrison choked on his laughter. “Absolutely not, but he orchestrated the staff to do so. He had the gardens turned into quite the enchanting venue, knowing that you are taken with the beauty of Pemdas’ evenings.”

Reece softly sighed as they traveled slowly through the captivating world Levi had created for their ceremony. She was at an absolute loss for words. The darker the environment became, the more the blooms and greenery around the carriage began to glow. She glanced down at her dress, and the shimmering stones took on a fascinating appearance of their own. She looked as though a bright light were cast upon her gown, and the stones glittered in a rainbow of colors in return. All that was left now was to see the area that Levi had designed with his mother for the ceremony.

“Do you know where we are going?”

Harrison grinned. “Of course I do. I left your intended husband only moments ago to retrieve you. We are almost there. Are you ready for this?”

Reece spread her hands across her shimmering gown. “More than ready. I can’t wait to see him. I can’t wait to thank him for all of this.”

As the carriage slowed, Reece looked around for a hint as to where Levi waited for her. She saw nothing but forestry and vividly glowing flowers. Once the carriage had stopped, she heard piano music softly playing in the distance. Elizabeth! she thought in amazement. The soothing sound of a cello played along with the piano, and Reece knew they had reached their destination.

Harrison stepped out of the carriage and offered his hand. Surprisingly, Jasmeen was there to ensure that Reece’s dress and hair were in their proper places before Harrison led Reece onto a wooden walkway, which was complemented by more radiant flowers. The rich aroma from all of the blooms was as intoxicating as the enchanting environment itself. Reece gripped the inside of Harrison’s arm as she started to see familiarity in this location.

They followed along the wooden path, leading them deeper into the majestic forest. They crossed over a small, arched bridge with a shimmering creek below them. Reece studied her surroundings as the piano music grew louder. Without noticing, she froze in place, forcing Harrison to halt with her. In that moment, the piano music and cello accompaniment flowed into a different melody. Reece looked straight ahead but could only see a few of the guests that had turned at the sound of her and Harrison’s arrival.

Reece knew exactly where they were. It was where Levi first swore his love for her and asked her not to leave Pemdas, and the same place where she had Elizabeth paint the portrait of her on Areion as a reminder to Levi of that day.

Harrison bent over and whispered in her ear, “It seems as though you are not the only one who cherishes this special location.”

She fought back her tears with all her strength. She held her hand over her heart, trying to gather herself.

“Are you ready?” Harrison asked as he looked down at her.

“More than I have ever been, Harrison. Take me to him,” she managed.

They walked under a canopy of golden, shimmering blooms before it opened up to an area with thousands of different dangling blossoms, glistening and shimmering throughout. There were close to a hundred guests standing for her entrance, mostly family and the close friends of the Oxley’s. Reece was holding up excellently, until she spotted Levi waiting for her at the end of the walkway. Her heart seemed to stop, and the whimsical atmosphere of their wedding location disappeared as the sound of Elizabeth’s piano music faded away. Her entire being was captivated when her eyes met his.

Levi stood imperially with both arms behind his back and waited properly to receive her. He was a faultless picture of royalty. He wore the attire of the Pemdai Emperor, and he was an intimidating, yet magnificent portrait of a nobleman. His black tailcoat was embellished with silver accents and complemented with a sapphire blue scarf, which swept over his right shoulder, crossing his chest and ending just below his waist.

Levi’s eyes glistened like gemstones when they met hers. His smile was subtle as his gaze locked intently and exclusively onto her. She felt the heat in her cheeks from his penetrating gaze. Reece never took her eyes off him, loving him more with every step she took closer to him. His smile, even though faint, was radiant, and his eyes were entrancing.

Finally they reached him, and Harrison formally placed Reece’s hand into Levi’s. Levi stared down at her, and she felt nothing but love and admiration emanating from him as he gracefully placed her hand in the bend of his arm. He brought his other hand up to cover hers and gently guided her to face King Nathaniel, who waited to perform their ceremony. As King Nathanial spoke, Reece and Levi both stole glances at each other. He smiled as he continued to lovingly rub the back of her hand in the bend of his arm with his thumb.

Their moment had arrived, and soon Reece and Levi would declare their love for one another in front of all of their guests and become husband and wife. Reece’s smile broadened as she gazed intently at King Nathaniel, greatly anticipating the moment when he would pronounce Levi and Reece husband and wife.