The Reckoning

by S. L. Morgan

  Reece brought her hand around Levi’s neck, drawing his lip down to hers. After she had withdrawn, she placed the toy in the cradle. “It is so good to have you back.” She gazed into his flirty blue eyes. “But don’t you think you can be friends with Mozart now? I know he kept us awake most of the night—” She glanced around their room. “Where is he?”

  “In his cage in the carriage house,” he said proudly. “I believe you need all the rest you can get before our child is born.”

  Reece shook her head. “I never thought you would be one to abuse an animal,” she said as she turned to get out of their bed.

  “Abuse?” Levi laughed. “If any abuse is being displayed between Mozart and me, all of it is coming from him.”

  Reece walked into her dressing area to find a freshly drawn bath. She turned back to Levi, who wore an innocent expression on his face as he offered her more fruit. “You and Mozart need to get past your differences, and quickly,” she said as she shrugged off her gown.

  Levi’s brought his lips down onto her bare shoulders and ran his hands along her growing belly. “Tell that to your creature,” he said with a laugh.

  Reece turned, unable to resist the change in his voice. “I know you’re dressed as if we are about to attend a ball, but I would love it if you would join me.”

  Levi groaned as he ran his hands down each of her sides. “That is quite the tempting offer, Mrs. Oxley.” He kissed her forehead. “I believe it will ruin my plans for us if I so selfishly choose to join you.”

  “Plans?” Reece said as she turned to slip into the tub, teasing Levi with each step she took. She sat in the silky water and laughed at Levi’s dark and unpredictable expression.

  He blinked a few times and softly sighed. “Yes, and you are not making this easy on me either.”

  Reece dunked her head under the water and began running shampoo through it. “Go,” she laughed. “I’ll be out soon.”

  Levi went to turn and stopped. “Perhaps I can assist you in washing your hair?”

  “We both know how that will turn out,” she teased him with a grin. “These plans you have made?”

  “Are a surprise, of course.”

  “Of course.” She ran a sponge down her arm. “I’m hoping we’ll have time to make up for this later?”

  “I have every intention of doing so,” Levi said as he turned to leave.

  “Levi?” she called out, stopping him. “By the way, the cradle is beautiful. Where did you find such a beautiful piece of furniture?”

  “I had it designed. It is the first of many gifts I plan to offer you and our children.”

  Reece blew a kiss toward Levi. “Have I mentioned that I am thrilled to have you back?”

  Levi offered one last kiss to Reece before leaving the room. She wasted no time cleaning up and exiting the bath. She snatched a towel, which was folded neatly by the lit candles, and proceeded to quickly dry off. She pulled on her robe and nearly ran into Jasmeen, who had been placing new dresses in her closet to fit her swelling abdomen.

  “Jasmeen! What a surprise. Let me guess,” she tapped a finger to her chin. “you already have my outfit picked out for the day?”

  Jasmeen turned with a cream-colored, lacy dress. “Levi had this, amongst other light weight material dresses, fashioned for you.” She eyed Reece wearing the dress. “It arrived last evening, and I believe that fresh flowers garnished in your hair shall work perfectly for the day he has planned for you.”

  Reece sat as Jasmeen went to work. “I’m not going to even ask.”

  Jasmeen started creating small ringlets in her hair. “That works perfectly for me.” She smiled as she continued to work with Reece’s hair.

  The baby was wide awake and practically doing somersaults nonstop in her belly. At close to eight months pregnant now, Reece felt every small movement the baby made, and the sensation was delightful. When Jasmeen was finished, Reece studied her hair in the mirror. How Jasmeen managed to place tiny yellow and cream flower buds sporadically throughout her long ringlets, Reece would never know. Half of her hair was pulled up while the rest was left to cascade along the center of her back.

  Jasmeen helped Reece to her feet and tied a yellow ribbon just above her growing belly. “There,” she tightened the bow, “perfect. I will return in a moment with your shoes.”

  “This dress definitely shows the world I’m about to have a baby,” Reece said, cradling her stomach.

  “That is exactly how I intended it to look when I explained to my mother how the designers were to handle your wardrobe,” Levi said as he walked in the room.

  Reece eyed him skeptically. “How would you know my exact size, Mr. Oxley?”

  “Your maiden has quite the talent.”

  “Here I thought we were just measuring my growing stomach.”

  Jasmeen offered a curtsy. “We will be doing this quite often; however, these dresses are fashioned to grow with you as the baby grows, and perfect for the warming weather.”

  Levi took the shoes from Jasmeen. “Thank you, Jasmeen. I will take care of the rest.”

  “As you wish,” Jasmeen said and turned to leave.

  Levi gracefully caressed Reece’s calves as he lifted her skirt, with a kiss to her ankle, and before she could exhale, a strappy shoe was placed on her foot. Levi’s lips gingerly massaged along her leg as he crisscrossed the ribbons on her shoe and tied them into a bow at her heel.

  “Levi,” Reece closed her eyes as he brought a shoe to her other foot.

  “Yes,” he said in a low voice.

  “You really need to stop that.” She ran her hands through his hair.

  “If I don’t?” he taunted.

  “We’ll never fulfill the plans you have made for us today.”

  Levi stood and extended his hand. “We can’t have that.” He winked. “Come, we must be going.”

  Reece took the offered hand and smirked. “I’ll get you back for that.”

  “I look forward to it,” Levi said as he brought his lips to her temple.

  As they walked down the grand staircase, Reece tightened her hold on the bend of Levi’s arm. “I know you love keeping your surprises to yourself, but could you at least give me a clue as to what you have planned? After your little seductive way of lacing up these shoes, you at least owe me that much.”

  “Over the last week, we have not only had the privilege of enjoying each other’s company, but we have finally settled into our home. Now, I believe we are ready to share with most our exciting news.”

  Reece gripped Levi’s arm. “Share with most?”

  “Indeed,” Levi answered as he led her to their carriage. “I have longed for this day since the first moment I heard the heartbeat of our child in your womb.”

  Once inside the lavish carriage, Reece saw that Levi had arranged for a silver tray of food to be secured across from where they sat. “Your soup, a glass of refreshing juice, and a variety of cheeses should hold you over until we arrive at Pasidian.”

  Reece laughed as she took the chalice filled with juice and sipped it. “It’s not that far to the palace from our home.”

  “I know,” Levi answered as he cut into a wedge of cheese and offered her a slice. “With your appetite growing as swiftly as our child, I am certain you shall be famished again by the time we arrive at the palace.”

  Reece nudged Levi in his side. “It’s not my fault this baby seems to have the growing nature of a Guardian war horse.”

  Levi inclined his head and kissed the side of her neck. “Eat your soup while it is still hot, love. I need our little warrior to grow strong.”

  “So certain we are having a boy, are we?”

  “I am sure of two things. Firstly, you are more radiant than ever while carrying our child; and secondly, its gender will have nothing to do with whether or not it will be a warrior.”

  Levi was correct in assuming Reece would regain her appetite when they reached the palace. The aroma of bread and spices filled the air, prompt
ing Reece to look at Levi with a pathetic expression. “Whatever food I smell right now has me wanting to run into the palace kitchens and embarrass your entire family as I devour whatever it is that they’re making.”

  Levi laughed. “There is no need for that, love.” He brought her hand to his lips. “I will ensure that a plate is filled and ready for you when we arrive at our intended location.”

  “Speaking of intended locations,” Reece said as she glanced around the covered courtyard where the carriage stopped, “where are we? This is odd. I could have sworn I’ve explored all of the individual rooms at Pasidian, but I’ve never seen this area before.”

  “Given that the palace is quite large and built uniquely, I’m not surprised that you haven’t come upon this location. Growing up here, I can safely say that it could take months for you to learn of the different courtyards, pool rooms, and so on. We could actually pass the time waiting for our child to arrive by me giving you a complete, guided tour.”

  “Sounds like a great idea, but I think I’d rather continue taking quiet walks and having our private picnics together at our home.”

  “Then it is settled.” Levi opened the carriage door, stepped out, and turned to face her. “My lady,” he offered his hand.

  They walked through the palace and out to the back lawns. She heard laughter and voices come from a direction to their right. Levi continued to guide Reece through the shrubbery, past the stable yards and out to where Reece knew the Pasidian River flowed toward the palace.

  Reece was astounded by the transformation of the meadows. Tents with blooms cascaded throughout the area. The large, sweeping trees were garnished with a cream chiffon material, interlaced from branch to branch. Cushioned seating was arranged for the guests’ comfort while being entertained outdoors.

  Servants were everywhere as they bustled around the guests, offering them refreshments from the trays of food that they carried. Reece eyed one of the large tents—seeing where all the food was held—and refrained herself from dragging Levi directly toward that particular tent. It was wise that she didn’t follow the impulse of her stomach because once they entered the location, everything and everyone stopped what they were doing and gave them their undivided attention.

  “Welcome to the garden party that has been arranged to celebrate the next heir to Pemdas,” Levi leaned over and whispered into her ear.

  “A garden party?” Reece’s eyes met Levi’s loving ones as she squeezed his arm with excitement. “This is quite a change from balls and celebrations.”

  “Indeed, it is one of my mother’s favorite events to host.”

  “Levi!” Lady Allestaine cheerfully greeted her son with a quick kiss on his cheek. “Reece, darling!” She ran her delicate hand down the side of Reece’s face. “You are positively glowing! I do hope you are up for the festivities we have planned for the day.”

  “This is so amazing,” Reece beamed at her surroundings.

  Levi brought his arm around Reece. “Reece is up for anything as long as we keep a tray of food completely full and in her lap.”

  “Anything she desires.” Allestaine turned back toward where Navarre stood in conversation with a few kings and Harrison. “Come, let us make our delightful announcement and begin the festivities so that our darling Reece can indulge herself in the delicacies the staff has prepared for her.”

  They walked toward a large platform that was elaborately decorated with ivy and blooms. Levi followed his father and mother and guided Reece up the steps to face the crowd that had gathered in front of them.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Navarre started. “We are honored and pleased that you have shown such graciousness to celebrate with us on behalf of your kingdoms and all of Pemdas the delightful news that our son and daughter, the future Emperor and Empress of Pemdas, wish to share.”

  The audience applauded, prompting Reece to feel a little uncomfortable to be in the spotlight. She looked up at Levi, only to find him beaming as he exchanged glances with her.

  “Now, I shall let my son open the garden festival with the news he and Lady Reece have waited quite some time to share.”

  Levi intertwined his fingers with Reece’s and brought the back of her hand to his lips before turning his attention to the group. “When my wife and I first learned that she was with child, we were on an extremely dangerous mission to recover Emperor Navarre. As any husband would be, I was no longer thrilled to have her along on the mission when I learned of the news.” He looked down at Reece. “But my wife, being braver than I, forced us to continue on with our journey. Throughout that time, all I have wanted, aside from having cherished time alone with my wife, was this day to arrive so that we could all celebrate the news. Lady Reece’s courage and strength not only brought your emperor home, but she had to endure months of me being unwell and not at her side. So I ask all of you,” Levi raised his chalice and turned toward Reece, “to please lift up your glass to my wife. Not only is she a courageous and remarkable woman, but she is also the woman we shall hold in our highest esteem as she honors all of us by carrying the next heir to Pemdas.”

  The audience followed Levi as they cheered at his announcement. The palace’s orchestra began to play, and some took to the dance floor, while others walked over to greet Levi and Reece. The atmosphere was euphoric and provided Reece with more energy than she imagined she could have.

  Harrison approached with Angeline. “Please accept our most humble gratitude,” he gave an exaggerated bow, “just being in your presence—”

  “Harry,” Angeline sighed. “Please.”

  Harrison and Levi laughed in unison. “It is a shame you had to interrupt my cousin’s humble words.” Levi's lips drew up in one corner. “I was curious to see how deep his gratitude really is.”

  Angeline hugged Reece and turned to Levi. “Sorry to interrupt, but the line to greet both of you is quite long, and I believe my husband owes me a dance anyway.”

  After the guests had given their words of encouragement to Levi and Reece, the couple joined the rest of the guests in the elaborate park-like setting. “I am starving,” Reece said under her breath.

  “Miss Bethany,” Levi called out, bringing a young servant to directly approach them.

  She curtseyed. “Yes, Your Highness?”

  “Please see to it that the food prepared for my wife is brought out to the furnishings that face the river,” he requested. “There is a special table set out for her convenience, I believe you are aware.”

  “Yes, Your Highness. The staff and I will promptly have her food brought to her,” she answered and quickly moved past them.

  “A special table and menu?” Reece laughed.

  “This day is to celebrate you, and your comforts are my only concern.”

  Reece sat in the cushioned chairs where Allestaine and Elizabeth were already waiting. “Reece, you look positively radiant!” Elizabeth said as she stood and hugged Reece.

  “Thank you, Lizzy. Aside from the relentless appetite I’ve developed, I feel great.”

  Reece looked out at the Pasidian River letting the serenity of the sparkling crystal clear water consume her senses as Levi took his seat at her side. Levi pressed his lips into her cheek as he draped his arm around her. “When you are finished eating and are willing, I should like to share a dance with the loveliest woman present.”

  Reece leaned into Levi. “That sounds marvelous.” She turned to Levi. “This is such a wonderful surprise, thank you.”

  “It was the least we all could do to celebrate you and our child.”

  “How many people are showing up for this?” Reece asked as the servants appeared with an array of foods, sparkling wine, and tea.

  “Most of the kings and their families confirmed their invitation weeks ago when Levi ordered the announcement to be sent out,” Lady Allestaine responded with a laugh. “I do not believe he thought that the announcement would be received as such.”

  “This is true,” Levi returned. “However,
I am impressed with their gratitude.”

  Levi reached for a silver bowl and removed the lid. The aroma of her favorite soup practically put her stomach in a spasm when it reached her senses. Levi absently placed a white cloth over her lap, while a servant placed a silver tray over it.

  “I believe this shall be an excellent start to your indulging yourself?” Levi smirked.

  “You read my mind.”

  The women laughed as Reece began enjoying the soup. Once she finished, she felt so full, all she wanted was to relax on the sofa and listen to the lively conversations around her. The entire day had passed pleasantly. Harrison and Angie soon joined the group and served to entertain everyone around them. With guests constantly approaching them in light conversations and an array of food continuously being brought out for Reece’s comfort, she was quite surprised to see that the sun was starting to slip below the horizon.

  Reece looked over at the guests dancing along the glittery blooms of the trees and realized she had forgotten to take Levi up on his offer.

  She touched his knee. “I am so sorry,” she pleaded with his mesmerizing eyes, “I completely forgot about our dance.”

  Levi flashed his perfect white teeth at her, “Just sitting here, watching your excitement with everyone has proven to be more enchanting for me than a dance.”

  “Would you care to dance?”

  Levi stood and tugged on his waistcoat. He offered his hand to Reece. “If all of you will excuse us, I believe my wife and I shall entertain each other in a dance.”

  Levi held her closer than usual when they arrived among the group of dancing guests. The music blended into a slower rhythm as Levi began to lead. “You must know that I am utterly taken with how enchanting you look, Mrs. Oxley.”

  Reece lifted her chin. “I feel quite enchanted,” she answered, following in perfect step with him.

  “I have longed to celebrate you carrying our child,” he kissed her forehead. “This day has been more delightful than I imagined.”

  Reece kissed his chin. “I am happy that you’ve enjoyed your time today, Mr. Oxley.”

  Levi brought his hand to her lower back, bringing her body daringly closer to his. “I plan to enjoy my time this evening when we return home as well.”