Chapter 6

Levi stood in admiration of how Pasidian’s staff and the hired decorators orchestrated such a majestic scene for his and Reece’s wedding. He had personally gone to great effort to hire the proper professionals to bring to life what he had envisioned. Not only did they surpass all of his expectations, they also managed to create all of this overnight while Reece slept. Now he waited to see the expression on his bride-to-be’s face as she walked down the shimmering walkway toward him.

Levi surreptitiously watched the guests, studying their expressions of amazement as they entered the lavishly appointed area. To Levi’s knowledge, nothing so resplendent had ever been created in Pemdas. For Levi, it had to be done for reasons only he and Reece would truly understand. From the first evening Reece spent in Pemdas, Levi had paid particular attention to Reece’s reactions as the glistening lands transformed into an array of gleaming colors in the evening. Having already been in love with her at the time, he could not help but be entranced by the many expressions on her face as she beheld the enchanting transformation of Pemdas in the evening. It was very clear to Levi that their wedding location and ceremony should represent everything that fascinated Reece about Pemdas. The ceremony, without question, would take place in the same location they first spoke of their love for each other.

Levi clasped his hands behind his back and gazed around the glowing scenery, waiting patiently for Reece to arrive with Harrison. He allowed the dulcet melodies of Elizabeth’s piano compositions, complemented by the palace’s finest cellist, to calm his racing heart. A subtle sound in the distance brought his attention back to the guests who quietly awaited the bride.

Lady Allestaine wore a proud smile as she sat next to Harrison’s mother, Levi’s aunt Madeleine, and the Hamilton family. He smiled kindly toward Lady Allestaine but did not fail to notice King Hamilton holding back a laugh. King Hamilton, much like Harrison, never failed to find something humorous about any occasion. It was obvious that the king had received word that the enchanting environment they sat in was all Levi’s doing, and Levi would need to prepare himself for the relentless teasing at the small reception which was to take place after this ceremony. A small arch of his eyebrow toward King Hamilton nearly sent the king bursting into laughter. Before Levi could glance away, he was distracted by the clattering of horses’ hooves announcing the arrival of Reece’s carriage.

Levi’s heart jolted with anticipation when everything grew silent. The only visible movement was that of the flowering blooms illuminating all around them. The sound of the spring that trickled over the smooth stones surrounding the area melded perfectly with the music. Levi’s lips tightened in anticipation as Elizabeth’s playing transitioned to a song announcing Reece’s arrival. The guests remained seated, while Levi’s eyes were intently focused on the entrance that Reece would appear through. Once she and Harrison stepped onto the opalescent, velvet covered runner and into their secluded location, Levi locked his gaze with Reece’s dazzling eyes.

The world around Levi simply vanished from his attention in that moment. It took everything within him to restrain himself from approaching her as his cousin escorted his intended wife to him.

The guests stood to honor the bride entering the ceremonial area, obstructing Levi’s view of Reece. He stepped to the right in order to savor the moment he had longed for. When he did, he noticed Harrison’s grin broaden as he walked Reece along the velvet runway to him. Levi’s emotions calmed as his eyes continued to take in the beauty of Reece approaching him. This day, their day, had finally come. He simply could not take it all in. His grandmother’s tiara was sitting in its rightful place upon the crown of her head, the Oxley family jewels highlighted the radiant tone of her skin, and her flawless figure was outlined perfectly in her brilliant dress. Her cheeks colored lightly as she continued to gaze into Levi’s eyes, enhancing the brilliance of her light blue eyes. Levi finally let out the breath he held and returned her warm smile, his senses recovering as he basked in the allure of the woman he loved with all of his heart.

As Harrison approached, King Nathaniel instructed the guests to be seated.

“As you are all aware, Emperor Levi and Miss Reece Bryant have chosen to unite the traditional ceremonies of marriage on Earth and in Pemdas. It is quite obvious,” King Nathaniel said with a soft laugh, “that most of the ceremony you will witness today is how many on Earth, protected by our Guardians, choose to celebrate the unification of a couple.”

As King Nathaniel’s voice trailed off, Levi glanced down to find Reece looking up at him. He was transfixed by her gaze, and it took Harrison softly clearing his throat to snap Levi out of his daze so as to take Reece’s offered hand.

Levi smiled at Reece again and brought her delicate hand to rest in the bend of his arm. Levi stood tall at Reece’s side, proud and honored to take her as his wife on this day. King Nathaniel formally nodded once the couple turned together to face him.

“It is my privilege to commence this unprecedented ceremony by announcing on the behalf of the bride and groom that we are honored to have you amongst us to bear witness to the exchange of matrimonial vows,” King Nathaniel spoke boldly. “There is no greater distinction than to stand in the place of my brother, the late Emperor Navarre, and perform this ceremony. Knowing my brother well, I can say this is a day that would have made him proud beyond measure. He was, indeed, quite fond of his son’s choice for his wife. Having been your leader for many years, Emperor Navarre knew that in order to live his life as ruler over all of Pemdas, he needed stability more than anything. That stability included a strong and encouraging woman to stand by his side.”

King Nathaniel glanced over at Lady Allestaine, who was blotting her eyes with her white handkerchief. She nodded in agreement with King Nathaniel, who went on, “The late emperor shared with me on more than one occasion that, in his opinion, Miss Bryant carried within her those qualities and much more. It was extremely important to the emperor that his only son find a woman of this nature, and one that he truly loved in order to be happy and contented should the day come that his son stood in his place as Emperor of Pemdas. Today that day has come, friends and family, and we are all invited to bear witness to a marriage of true love, honor, chivalry, and most of all, a demonstration of our world moving forward with courage.”

Levi felt Reece grip his arm tightly, forcing him to glance down at her. He saw her glittering eyes filled with tears, prompting him to discreetly offer her his handkerchief. He tenderly touched her hand, hoping to soothe her.

“At this time, His Imperial Majesty and Miss Reece Bryant will declare to each other their vows of commitment in marriage.”

Reece sniffed softly, maintaining her composure as Levi turned, took both her hands into his, and gazed intently into her eyes.

Levi softly exhaled, gathering his thoughts as the brilliance of Reece’s expression played across every emotion within him. “My only love,” he began, “I believe you have a perfect understanding of my devoted love for you, and now I can share it with those who are in attendance this day.” He tilted his head as he gazed into her brilliant blue eyes. “Never in my life have I encountered a woman such as you. From the moment I became your guardian, I was intrigued by everything about you. Your enthusiasm, your compassion towards others, your inner strength, and your appreciation for all things were mesmerizing to me. It was not long before you truly and completely captivated my heart,” Levi cleared his throat.

“Reece Bryant, I vow to you on this day that you, my love, will be the only woman who will forever hold my heart, and today I shall commit my entire life to you. Your love reigns more supreme to me than anything else, and I will not only ensure that you shall be loved every day beyond measure, but I will forever protect your life with my own, as my life is now yours. I humbly ask that you accept my vow of love and commitment to you, as I am honored to accept yours. Reece Marian Oxley, will you have me as your husband?”

Reece’s smiled broadened as a tear slipped down her cheek. Levi brushed it away as Reece nodded in return before murmuring, “Yes.” She sniffed. “I will wholeheartedly accept you as my husband.”

Reece exhaled softly before lifting her chin. She gazed intently into his eyes and gripped his hands tightly. “You, too, know how much I love you with everything that I am, and I am grateful to be able to share it with those in attendance.

“To say that you have completely changed my life would be an understatement. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that my life would end up where it is at this moment, and never could I have imagined that a man like you would love me as you do. You have filled a void within my heart and soul that I didn’t know existed. The unconditional love and support you have given me since the day I met you have saved me in so many ways. You have inspired me to be a better woman, and you have shown me what it is like to truly love and be loved.

“Levi Oxley, I commit every part of my heart, soul, and entire being to you as your wife. I will stand at your side through whatever difficult times we may encounter, and I will happily walk arm-in-arm with you wherever our lives’ paths may lead us. I stand here today proud to be loved by such a humble, selfless, and honorable man. I commit myself wholly to you in front of all our guests, and I vow that I will forever love only you, my one true love. Will you, Levi Alexander Oxley, accept me as your wife?”

“Without any reservation, I humbly accept you as my wife,” Levi said as an array of emotions flooded through him after hearing Reece’s words of devotion to him.

Levi turned and plucked a slender platinum band from King Nathanial’s outstretched hand and slipped it onto her slender finger. Levi had the band designed to match the ring he gave her after his proposal of marriage. A single row of tiny aquamarine stones, which matched the center stone of her engagement ring, was cushioned on either side by rows of tiny black diamonds.

To his surprise, the ring that Reece had slipped onto his finger nearly matched hers. The ring she designed was a brushed platinum band in an onyx hue with a brilliant swath of dark aquamarine stones set into it.

“And now, Your Royal Majesty,” King Nathaniel announced, “you and your bride may seal your consecration of love with a kiss.”

Without hesitation, Levi cupped Reece’s face in his hands, stepped forward, and placed his lips on hers. Levi tenderly caressed Reece’s cheekbones as the audience applauded their approval. Reece gracefully smoothed her hand over his cheek, and Levi’s lips turned up into a smile matching hers. With one more kiss to her soft lips, he withdrew, never once removing his eyes from hers.

Reece’s expression was radiant as Levi silently mouthed the words “I love you” to her before turning to face the happy crowd.

“All guests, please stand in honor of your emperor, the new Empress of Pemdas, and their commitment to one another,” King Nathaniel announced.

The guests stood in unison. “Until death shall part them, Levi and Reece are now one. It is my distinct honor and privilege to present to you His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Levi Oxley; and Her Imperial Majesty, Reece Oxley; Emperor and Empress of Pasidian and the Empire of Pemdas,” King Nathanial proclaimed, concluding their ceremony.

Levi led Reece down through the guests and along the velvet aisle to the carriage that awaited them. Once at the carriage, he helped Reece into it before taking his seat next to her. The horses energetically carried them out of the enchanted clearing and back to the palace. When the carriage halted in the courtyard at the back of the palace, Levi smartly stepped out and offered his hand to his bride. He wasted no time in finding a secluded entrance, and he led Reece into one of the private libraries on the first floor.

After he pulled the large ornate door closed, he paused to take in her beauty once more before he offered her a simple kiss.

Reece giggled in response. “We did it! No backing out now, Emperor Levi Oxley,” she teased.

Levi remained captivated by his new wife. He brushed his hand along her delicate jawline. “My love, there are no words to describe how I am feeling at this moment.” He exhaled. “You, Empress Oxley, have stolen my heart in its entirety. You are so profoundly and utterly, breathtakingly beautiful. I have—”

“Levi,” she interrupted him with a dazzling smile. She gave him a mischievous grin, and his heart fell out of its normal rhythm at her expression. She stared into his eyes provocatively, halting his breath. “Kiss me!”

His lips were on hers at that moment, absorbing her essence into every cell of his body. He reveled in their kiss for many moments before he slowly withdrew.

He traced her luscious, rosy lips with his fingers. He looked down and brushed his hands over the jewels that shone beautifully against her décolletage. “You are the first to wear these since my grandmother was alive. You, my love, outshine every ounce of their beauty.”

Reece sighed softly. “You are always too generous to me. I am honored to wear them.” She ran her fingers through his hair as her eyes gazed into his fixedly. “This is the best day of my life. I love you so much.”

Levi grasped her hand and brought it to his lips. “I promise you, my beautiful wife, this is only the start of our best days together. I give you my word that from this day forward—”

Her lips were on his, and he was more than happy to be silenced by them. Would they ever make it to the reception of guests waiting for them? Do I care? Levi thought as he drew her in closer, feeling the perfect lines of her slender body through the silky fabric of her gown. Why did I agree to a wedding reception? Somehow, his mind managed to remind him that it was for Reece. She was the only reason he was able to end this satiating moment between them.

He gradually withdrew from her kiss and rested his chin atop her head, inhaling the fragrant aroma that enhanced her immaculately styled hair. “Mrs. Oxley, I must admit, I regret arranging this small luncheon with our wedding guests. Right now, I selfishly have no desire to share your company with anyone. I do not know if I can last these next few hours without showing you how much I ardently love you and proving my love to you in other ways.”

Reece stepped back and widened her eyes playfully at him. “Oh, really? Well, Mr. Oxley, you must. And you are right; everyone is probably looking for us right now. Tonight,” she lifted her chin and tugged on his cravat, “I will hold you to your promise of showing me your ardent love through other methods. For now, you must be a patient and proper gentleman,” she teased with a flirtatious wink.

As Reece brushed past him, Levi gently clasped his sturdy hand around the bend of her arm. He bent down and brought his lips to her ear. “My love, you should know that I shall be tortured during these next few hours.”

Reece turned seductively to face him. “Good! That will make for more of an exciting time when we are alone tonight,” she said as she ran a fingertip along his jawline.

Levi gazed intently into her eyes. “Mrs. Oxley, you are teasing me?” he asked in a low, raspy voice.

“Indeed, I am.”

Levi shook his head. “Allow me to escort my lovely bride to our awaiting guests before my passions overrule my better judgment,” he said, raising an eyebrow at her while pulling his white dress gloves back on and offering his arm.

Reece smiled widely as she reached to accept his support. Together, they strolled out of the library and toward another enchanting area in the palace gardens.