Chapter 9

The glow of the flames in the fireplace was the only illumination in the room when Reece’s eyes opened from a dreamless sleep. She watched as the flames flickered and danced around the wood they were slowly consuming. The room was filled with warmth, and her heart was brimming with love and contentment as she lay in this bed with Levi at her side. As she began to recall their evening, something strange began to unfold.

Even though the room was warm, she became extremely cold. Suddenly, she saw her breath in the chilled air, and she felt as though she had been instantly transported to another place. She was in a dark, bitterly cold cave, and the only warmth she felt was that from Levi’s sturdy hand as it gripped hers tightly. The air was extremely damp, and her hair and clothes were soaking wet. The cold began to sting, and she felt overly tired. She let out a sigh of absolute exhaustion, believing it might be her last.

“We are close, my love,” Levi said. “Our destination is not far from here.”

She struggled to see where Levi was taking her in this vision. She glanced up at him. “I’m so cold and tired,” she responded through chattering teeth.

Levi squeezed her hand, and she looked up at him. He smiled while his eyes glowed vividly. “Focus on what you learned, my love.”

The moment he said that, the icy pain of her cold, aching body vanished, along with her bizarre vision, and her view was that of their fireplace again.

Reece bolted upright, startled by what had occurred. Levi, who had been in a sound sleep with Reece securely in his arms, leaned up and ran his hand along Reece’s back. “Is everything okay?”

Reece glanced over to find him watching her in confusion. She looked back to the fireplace and rubbed her forehead. “The strangest thing happened,” she answered as she tried to comprehend what had transpired.

Levi sat upright. “Reece, you’re trembling,” he said as he brought his arms around her. “Was it a nightmare?”

“No,” she leaned into him for support, “at least I don’t think it was. I know that I woke up, and I was staring into the fire. Then out of nowhere, the room was freezing.” She looked up at him to find him studying the surroundings of their room. “Right after that, you and I were in a cave, and it was freezing cold.” She shook her head. “Saying it out loud makes it seems like I’ve lost my mind.”

“You have not lost your mind,” he said as he ran his fingers through her hair. “Was that all that occurred?”

Her forehead crinkled in confusion. “You were with me and telling me to focus on what I learned,” she exhaled, “But I had no idea what you were talking about. Then the next thing I know, I snapped out of it. I was back in bed in this warm room, staring at the fireplace again.”

Levi studied her for a moment before he spoke. “I am highly attuned to any sounds or changes in my surroundings, even as I sleep. If I felt the climate of the room change drastically, I would have awoken as well.”

Reece shrugged. “So it must have been a dream? I swear, I’ve never felt anything more real,” she questioned. “I must be on my way to losing my mind completely.”

“I must ask,” Levi started, “as it was not long ago when the priestess invaded your dreams, and also your mind. Was this experience, be it a dream or not, anything like what she did to you?”

Reece pulled up and out of his embrace. “Nothing like that. I swear, I felt like I was transported somewhere else.”

Levi nodded. “A vision, perhaps?”

“Exactly,” Reece answered. “Is that even possible?”

Levi brought his lips to her shoulder. “I am still struggling to accept the realization that your mind was able to force your thoughts and emotions into mine earlier. I believe for now we should take note of what happened, and if it happens again, you must tell me. Do you believe yourself to be in danger in any way?”

“No,” Reece answered. “Do you think Galleta could tell me what that could have been?”

“If you are comfortable with waiting until we return from our vacation, she shall be the first person we seek out to counsel us about this.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “But only if you do not feel threatened by this occurrence; we cannot put ourselves in a position to be taken off guard, as we were by that priestess.”

“I feel normal,” Reece answered. “Confused that it happened, but I feel completely fine.”

“Very well,” Levi answered. “We will make it our first priority to consult with Galleta upon our return, unless these visions become harmful.”

Reece brought her lips to his, knowing that whatever had happened to her, she was safe. Levi was at her side, and she was in his arms. She leaned into him, encouraging him to lie back. He snaked his arms around her and deepened their kiss. Reece gladly accepted the comfort of Levi’s loving embrace and ran her hands along his firm sides, molding her body tightly against his. Levi groaned in response, and her heart reacted as he tightened his hold on her and brought her to lie beneath him. For every advance he made, Reece responded with as much enthusiasm, thankful to partake in the luxury of being married to the man she loved so greatly.

The next morning, Reece was peacefully awakened by the morning light peeking through the drapes. She stretched in contentment and turned to find that Levi was gone. What time is it? she wondered with a light yawn. The room was a perfect temperature. She snuggled deeper into the soft comforter and looked over to see that a new log had been placed on the fire. She closed her eyes, lost in the bliss of the passionate night she shared with Levi. She held up her left hand and studied the brilliant gemstone of her wedding ring. I can’t believe we’re actually married. She rubbed her hand across his pillow, and she smiled at the thought that she would have the luxury of him sleeping at her side every night and waking up next to him every day. “Well, every day except today. Where did he go?” she muttered aloud.

Before she could call out for him, the door to their room opened. As Levi entered carrying a tray of food, the aroma of fresh bacon and toast filled the room.

“Good morning, Mrs. Oxley,” Levi said with a brilliant smile stretching across his face. “I trust you slept well after what occurred earlier this morning?”

“Good morning!” Reece sat up and smiled at him. “Yes, I slept extremely well,” she continued, stuffing pillows behind her back and leaning into them. “Sorry I woke you up last night.”

“Do not apologize. As we discussed, it was out of the ordinary, and we will not dismiss what happened. Now,” Levi set the tray of food on her lap and kissed her tenderly on her forehead, “here is a gift for you—breakfast prepared by your favorite cook.”

Reece returned his humored expression with a playful smile. “Oh? I didn’t realize I had a favorite!”

She brought her attention to the tray of food resting on her lap. The breakfast he prepared for her looked delicious: a bowl of fresh fruit, thick slices of crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and waffles topped with sliced strawberries and blueberries.

Levi reached over, picked up a perfectly ripened strawberry, and brought it to her lips. “You have one now, as I have spent the last three mornings in the kitchens of Pasidian training in the art of cooking for my wife.”

Reece took a bite of the strawberry he held to her lips and smiled. She swallowed. “Levi, I love you. You didn’t have to learn how to cook on my account, you know. I hope you’re planning on sharing this with me, because there is no way I can eat all of this by myself.”

“I had indeed planned to share breakfast with you, but after spending my morning tasting and preparing your meal, I became quite full.” He lay on his side, facing Reece as she began to eat. “And yes, I did need to learn how to cook. It was worth the effort, as I had instructed our staff to return only to help prepare for our departure late this morning.”

Reece took healthy bites of each item prepared on her plate. “This is so delicious—and it appears that you are, in fact, my new favorite cook,” she said with a kiss to his forehead. She took a sip of her tea. “When should we expect the staff to arrive?”

Levi’s fingers grazed tenderly along her arm. “They will be arriving in a few hours. Jasmeen will be with them and will help you prepare for the journey to our destination.”

Goosebumps covered Reece’s arm, and eating breakfast instantly became an afterthought. “What time is it, anyway?”

Levi grinned. “It is only 7:30,” he answered with a small kiss to her shoulder.

Setting the tray aside, Reece softly sighed and glanced down into his eyes.

Levi took the tray and placed it on a side table. He smiled innocently at her. “Sorry, love, I did not intend to distract you from your breakfast.”

“I was full anyway.”

Their gazes locked, and Levi’s eyes darkened as he stared intently into hers. Without looking away, he leaned over and kissed her again. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” he asked as he placed lingering kisses first on her chin, and then on her lips.

The tone of his voice and the passion in his eyes made Reece’s heart flutter in anticipation. She ran her hands through his thick, wavy hair. “I think it’s time that you stop doing things exclusively for me and give me an opportunity to repay the surprise breakfast you made.”

Levi’s eyebrows shot up, and he grinned playfully. “Sounds perfectly fair to me!”

Reece laughed. “Let me freshen up some. I’ll be right back.”

Levi dropped his long legs over the side of the bed and turned to face Reece. “Take your time,” he said as he reached for the tray of food on the table. “Give me a moment to take this back to the kitchen, and I will eagerly await your return to our bedchamber.”

Levi placed her silky robe on the bed before he disappeared from the room. Reece pulled the robe on, shoved the blankets off her, and quickly walked toward the doors that led to their dressing rooms and bathing area. When she approached the sink to brush her teeth, she stopped at the sight before her. Should have known. What am I going to do with this man? He had already drawn a steaming bath for her, with the aromas of vanilla and lavender filling the room. The enormous bathing area was filled with sparkling bubbles nearly spilling over the side, and lit candles lined the marble steps that led to the inviting bath.

The lights in the room suddenly dimmed, and two sturdy hands brushed along her shoulders, removing her robe. “You are more than welcome to enjoy this alone, though I would be more than willing join you.”

A shiver ran down Reece’s spine as Levi slid his hand down her back. “That was a quick trip to the kitchen,” she teased.

Levi ran his fingers down the center of her back, “Indeed.” He softly laughed. “A thought entered my mind as I exited our bed chambers: should I do dishes, or take advantage of every moment spent with my wife? I would much rather wash your hair.” He said as he swept her hair over one shoulder and brought his lips to her neck.

“I’ll take you up on that offer,” she said breathlessly.

Reece sauntered up the steps, and she sank into the warm bath. Her entire body was enveloped with the warm, silky water as she turned to see Levi intently watching her. After a quick dunk and smoothing back her long hair, she turned to find Levi unfastening the buttons on his shirt without any hesitation. “Hurry, I need someone to wash my hair,” she teased.

Levi softly laughed. “As you wish, my love.”

After their long, rejuvenating bath, Reece lounged on the chaise in her warm bathrobe. In absolute contentment, she sat taking in the beautiful views that the expansive windows of their bedroom offered her. She took a sip of the fresh cup of tea that Levi poured for her before he left the room, impeccably dressed, to meet the servants that were starting to arrive at their estate. Her eyes wandered around the lavish room, and her heart beat rapidly, filled with both gratitude that Levi came into her life and anticipation for what their future would hold.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Levi placed a soft kiss on the side of her neck. Normally she would have been startled, but her body responded to his warm kiss. He ran his hands through her hair and brought his lips to her ear. “My love, we must have a portrait of you sitting like this. Do you realize how exceedingly divine you appear at this moment?”

Reece turned to face him, and her lips met his in that instant, securing a desiring kiss. She ran her hand along the side of his face and back through his hair. “We’re never going to leave this room,” she muttered against his lips.

Levi softly laughed and gently cupped her chin. “You, Mrs. Oxley, are going to have a very upset handmaiden soon if you are not careful.”

Reece laughed and stood up. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and stared up into his eyes. “Really? How’s that?”

He brought his hands to her face and sighed as his lips curved up on one side. “Because she is on the brink of having to wait alone in her chambers for quite some time until I have finished abundantly devoting myself to your flawless and appealing body again.”

Reece brought her arms around his neck. “We probably shouldn’t be so rude to her, should we?”

Levi stared longingly into her eyes. He brought his hand up to tenderly caress her face, while his thumb absently ran up her chin and slowly reached her lips. He traced her mouth with his thumb and sighed. “You are correct. I fear Jasmeen will be suffering enough while assisting you on our vacation.” He grinned and bent to kiss her. After the brief kiss, he slowly rose up. “Allow me to retrieve her for you. Once I have finished going over the details with the attendants, I will return.”

He brushed his finger over the tip of her nose and turned to leave. Reece watched in pleasure as her handsome husband took his usual, confident strides across the room. Reece walked toward her dressing rooms, and a moment later Jasmeen was in the expansive vanity area with a large trunk.

When she noticed Reece’s entrance, Jasmeen smiled. “Good morning, Reece. I do not think I shall require anything to help with your complexion today; you are glowing radiantly already.”

“Good morning, Jasmeen.” Reece laughed. “So what’s the outfit for today?”

Jasmeen motioned for Reece to sit in the chair. She started laying out all of Reece’s makeup and styling tools. “That will come momentarily.”

Jasmeen went through her normal routine and began applying Reece’s makeup before she examined Reece’s hair. “Wow. You dried it yourself? Was it any trouble?”

“Do you really think that I am that helpless, Jasmeen? I didn’t walk around Earth my entire life with wet hair, you know,” Reece said with a laugh.

“Well, of course not.” Jasmeen flushed.

“You are the one who insists upon doing everything for me. I’m pleased to announce that I even made our bed.”

Jasmeen giggled as she began curling Reece’s hair. “If you keep this up, I will soon find myself working in the kitchens.”

“I don’t think that will be happening anytime soon. Now, how are we lavishly styling the hair today?” Reece mocked with a wink.

“Emperor Levi has made a simple request to have your hair up for this first destination. You will be wearing the crown of the Empress.”

After Jasmeen finished styling Reece’s hair in an exquisite manner, she placed a rectangular, velvet box into Reece’s hand. Reece stared up at her. “Another request from the emperor,” Jasmeen said.

When Reece opened the crimson velvet box, she gasped in astonishment. A slender platinum chain held a multicolored, shimmering stone. As she studied the exquisiteness of this particular jewel, she noticed that the brilliant sapphire would cast off a silver glow, then deep purple, then gold, then blue. All of these different colors twinkled with the light of the room and constantly shifted in patterns. It was more beautiful than any exquisite piece of jewelry she’d seen in the land thus far. In the middle of the necklace lay the matching, delicate bracelet. It was filled with these same unique stones and created to fit her slender wrist perfectly. The jewelry set was complete with matching drop earrings, and Reece was so stunned by the beauty of the pieces that she hardly noticed a tiny white card, penned by Levi.

 

My Love,

The beauty you might find in these stones will never compare to yours.

–L. Oxley

 

“This is extraordinary!” she said with tears filling her eyes.

“It is exquisite,” Jasmeen said as she clasped the necklace around Reece’s neck. “Now, if you will follow me,” the maiden beckoned as she turned to walk into Reece’s grand closet.

Once inside, Jasmine motioned over to where a black garment bag hung alone in front of Reece’s oversized dressing mirror, and a matching black box sat beneath it.

Jasmeen turned to Reece. “Well, open them. Let us see if our emperor can match up jewelry and clothing, shall we?”

Reece was speechless as she walked toward the garment bag. She took another small white card that was pinned to the bag and read it.

 

I am highly anticipating how your beauty will embellish this dress.

-L.

 

Reece slowly unbuttoned the closure and stepped back to admire the gown Levi had chosen for her to wear. She was speechless as she stared at the sublime beauty before her. The extravagant red gown had every quality that an empress would require to be in her wardrobe. Where is he planning on taking us today? she wondered, somewhat intimidated by the lavish design. The material was rich in texture, tempting Reece to draw her hand out and run her fingers along it to feel its opulence. There were deep red, almost black jewels creating intricate patterns along the material. The bodice of the dress was a black lace and ended where the crimson capped sleeves began. More dark jewels lined the top of the bodice and along the top of the sleeves.

“He wasn’t lying when he said I should get used to him consistently giving me gifts,” Reece said with a laugh. I love this man more than he will ever know, she inwardly thought, being at a loss for words in regard to the beauty of the gifts he had given her.

“Shall we see what is in the other box?” Jasmeen asked excitedly.

Reece bent down, opened the box, and found the shoes that were created to match the dress perfectly. Before she could say anything more, Jasmeen went to work.

“Today you will be wearing two separate underskirts with this dress to enhance its fullness.”

“Are we going to a ball?” Reece asked, recalling that was the only time she had worn duplicate underskirts in Pemdas.

Jasmeen smiled. “I am not to say a word. Our emperor has made plans that only he wishes to make known. It is solely my job to prepare you for them.”

Reece laughed. “Then we’d better get moving on the transformation.”

Wherever they were going, or whatever Levi had planned, Reece couldn’t wait to experience it with him. She was elated to start their first day together as husband and wife, and she couldn’t be back in Levi’s arms fast enough to thank him for the unexpected gifts.