by S. L. Morgan
Harrison dropped his head in his hands. “Your father cannot return to the palace soon enough.” He looked over at Reece and Levi. “Until we are taking action to stop Simone and Michael’s betrayal, I believe I shall go mad. Samuel believes that we are out of our minds, so we are forced to remain in the company of those three.”
Reece laughed. “We can go visit Arrow again. Remain outdoors, it might help?”
Harrison rolled his eyes. “Really? Go pet a colt?”
“Reece is correct,” Levi stated. “Let us find our solace outdoors. We can ride to Casititor, have lunch there, and unwind our nerves.”
“Shouldn’t we be watching Simone?” Reece asked.
Levi shook his head. “She left the palace the day after I took you to Casititor. Do not forget the brutal snowfall that forced everyone to stay in the palace while Harrison and I were on Earth.”
“So we must be stuck in the palace for a week with them?” Harrison asked.
“If I can recall this time period correctly, it was two weeks. But,” Reece smiled, “Levi mentioned that Lizzy and Angie are returning with his parents. Harrison?” She arched an eyebrow.
“What?”
“Relax, Harrison,” Levi interjected. “We all know that this is difficult for you. We will get through it, and we will fix this. You must try to adjust to living in this time period again, and most of all, be grateful that Angie is alive.”
Harrison leaned back. “You are correct.” He looked at Reece. “Forgive my brazen response.”
Reece smiled. “Think about it, Harrison. This is the perfect time for you to court Angie and make her fall in love with you again.”
Harrison shook his head and smiled. “It is delightful to have a woman’s sensibilities around.”
“It’s your second chance,” Reece smiled. “Make it count.”
The emperor’s convoy arrived two days later. Harrison noted the lanterns on the carriages as they ascended the road to the palace. He leaped from his chair, flooded with excitement that Angeline was with them.
“What has gotten into you, Harrison?” Lillian asked from across the room.
Harrison glanced over at his sister who sat in a secluded corner with Simone and Catherine. “Why don’t you mind your own business for once in your life, Lillian?”
Levi stood. “Ladies,” he acknowledged them and turned to Reece. “Miss Bryant. Please give us a moment to welcome the emperor’s return to Pasidian.”
Reece stood and covered a yawn. “I think I might head to bed early this evening. The horseback riding lessons are taking their toll on me. I guess I got more than I bargained for by asking for lessons,” she lied.
Levi offered his arm. “I will let the emperor and empress know you have retired early for the evening. I am confident my sister will be looking forward to meeting you at breakfast tomorrow.”
Ignoring the suspicious looks from the women, Levi, Reece, and Harrison left the sitting room.
“I will join you with Marian once everyone is settled,” Levi informed Reece. “I trust that after this journey, they shall all retire soon.”
“Do you not believe we have much to discuss with your father?” Harrison asked. He looked at Reece. “I understand you wish to see Marian, but I am unsure if Levi can make that possible tonight.”
“I desperately want to be in that room when she enters it, but I don't think I can hold in my emotions when I see her again.” She patted Harrison on his shoulder and raised her eyebrows. “Be sure to give Angie an excellent welcome!” She looked at Levi. “I am certain that you will find a way to dismiss Marian and yourself from the group somehow. If your father wishes to have a meeting with you, I will understand the delay.”
Levi nodded. “Dismiss Jasmeen as soon as you are able. I will make my best effort to bring our daughter to you as soon as possible.”
“I will stay up all night if I have to if that's what it takes to see our daughter again.”
Levi smiled. “I am confident my father knows that, and we will join you in your rooms shortly.”
After Levi’s quick kiss to Reece’s cheek, she left for her rooms alone.
When Levi and Harrison walked out into the courtyard, Harrison was shocked to find Hamilton and his father’s carriages were with the emperor’s convoy.
Why are they all here? Harrison questioned Levi telepathically.
My father must have some form of plan already arranged; although, I do not know why your father or King Hamilton need be present for it.
The carriages halted in front of the courtyard steps, prompting Levi and Harrison to walk down and meet them. Navarre stepped out of the first carriage and turned to help Lady Allestaine and Marian out.
“Gentlemen, meet me in my office after you are done greeting the rest of our visitors,” Navarre said before leading Lady Allestaine and Marian up the steps.
Harrison and Levi smartly walked over to where Elizabeth and Angeline were being helped out of their carriage. Levi was instantly at his sister’s side.
“Harrison, would you be so kind to escort Angeline into the palace?” he asked with a knowing smile.
Harrison’s eyes locked with Angeline’s, and it took everything in his power to keep his expression normal. “Miss Hamilton,” he offered his arm, “I must say that after such a long journey, you look positively delightful this evening.”
Angeline’s cheeks flushed from Harrison’s compliment. “I am unsure as to what has gotten into you, Harry.” She softly laughed. “I am not accustomed to being complimented as much as you have complimented me upon our last two encounters.”
“That is truly a shame,” he said as he glanced down at her as they ascended the steps.
“A shame?” Angeline questioned.
“It is an absolute shame for men not to compliment a woman as beautiful as you as often as they have the opportunity.” He smiled. “Such beauty is rare, and it should be celebrated.”
Unexpectedly, Angeline nudged him. “Harry, do stop. You are making me uncomfortable. Act like yourself.”
Harrison managed to keep his thoughts straight. “Forgive me, I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, as your true discomfort will take place once we retire to the sitting rooms.”
“Is Miss Bryant amongst the ladies?” Angeline asked with excitement.
“Unfortunately, the bickering hens ran her off for the night.” He leaned into her, and her fragrance had him longing to kiss the side of her hair.
Angeline laughed, bringing Harrison’s thoughts back to what he was trying to say.
“Miss Bryant will be at breakfast in the morning, and she is greatly looking forward to meeting you and Lizzy.”
“Did you not notice the lovely young woman with Emperor Navarre and Lady Allestaine?” Angeline asked.
“Indeed, I did. I am confident that the emperor is planning a formal introduction of her, and that is why he did not introduce her to Levi and me,” Harrison managed. “Is she agreeable?”
Angeline’s grip tightened on his arm. “Most agreeable, Harry. She is a delight! It came as an unexpected surprise to us all, but we are so grateful the emperor managed to rescue her.”
“Rescue her?” Harrison said without thinking.
“She was stranded and left alone after her home was burned to the ground. Her father and mother both died tragically while saving her life.”
What kind of crazy story did they come up with? Everyone’s buying into this? Harrison thought in total confusion.
“It is horrific, is it not?” Angeline asked.
“It is almost entirely unbelievable. I am curious to learn more.”
They walked into the large sitting room where everyone was gathering. Servants were pouring tea and wine, and all Harrison could hear was the high-pitched, insincere trill of Simone’s voice.
“If I may have your attention,” Emperor Navarre called out, silencing the room. “Thank you. For those who have recently learned of our newest resident of Pasidian, please allow me to
formally introduce her.” He reached his arm out toward Marian, who quickly joined Navarre where he stood. “This is Miss Marian Garrett. She was orphaned after losing her entire family in a catastrophic fire. She managed to escape, and I could not help but have her join me on my journey to the Sandari Kingdom. Once Lady Allestaine became aware of her unfortunate circumstances, your compassionate and loving empress immediately offered her sanctuary at Pasidian Palace for as long as she wished to stay. We ask that you treat her as though she is one of our own.”
Nice lie. Nice last name, too. Your parents are pretty good at this stuff, Harrison telepathically told Levi.
Levi smiled and walked over to Marian. He reached for her hand. “Allow me to introduce myself: I am Levi Oxley, the emperor and empress’ son. I am happy that you have found refuge with my family. I am deeply sorry for your loss, but I know that you will be loved and cared for every moment for the rest of your life.” He brushed his lips over the back of her hand and rose up.
Harrison almost choked on the wine he had sipped when he caught the jealous expression on Simone’s face. Great! Now, we have to worry about her being jealous over Reece and Marian? If the hag only knew she was his child.
Harrison dramatically crossed the room and approached Marian in the same manner Levi had. “I am Harrison Oxley, the emperor’s beloved nephew. As Levi has just proclaimed, it is an honor for our family to be able to provide for your needs during such a tragic time.”
Marian smiled as Harrison winked at her discreetly. She then walked over and sat happily next to lady Allestaine, who wrapped her arm around Marian’s shoulder and brought her close.
“I know we have only just returned from our voyage, but I must request a private meeting with Levi and Harrison regarding why they had to leave the Sandari Kingdom so early. Everyone, please, enjoy the refreshments,” Navarre announced.
As the three men walked into Navarre’s office, Navarre leaned against his desk, crossing his arms and legs. “How did it go with Samuel?” he questioned.
“He thinks Harrison and I are out of our minds,” Levi simply stated.
“We may need you to reassure him that—”
Navarre held a hand up. “We have another plan. That is why my brother and King Hamilton are here. We will summon Galleta to the palace first thing tomorrow morning. With her mental powers and Marian’s, we believe that Marian can show Galleta the truth of everything. The only ones I wish to know about us traveling back to this time, aside from your mother, are Nathaniel, Hamilton, and Samuel.”
“That is an excellent idea,” Levi said thoughtfully. “Galleta’s mind may be able to be read where the Pemdai mind is protected.”
“How did my aunt take the news when you arrived?” Harrison asked.
“I believe she thought I was having a stroke at first, but the more she listened, and the more I insisted, she opened up.” Navarre smiled. “The more she studied Marian, the more she saw the resemblance to you and Reece. She is still coming to terms with the fact that you two became a couple, let alone got married, had a baby, and the universe fell apart. It is a lot to comprehend, but she is managing.”
“Let us hope that everyone else takes to this insane news as well as she has,” Harrison responded.
Navarre pushed up from his desk. “I am their emperor. They know me better than anyone, and I know they will trust me.” Navarre gestured back toward the door. “Let us return to the sitting room. I noticed Reece was not in attendance tonight. Is she unwell?”
“She wasn’t sure if she could maintain her composure when she saw everyone again, especially Marian,” Levi responded.
“Very well,” Navarre returned. “I will find a way to dismiss you and Marian early for the evening. Perhaps suggesting to your mother that you should escort her to her rooms will be a sufficient reason.”
“That is exactly what I had planned.”
“Careful about how you make your exit.” Harrison arched an eyebrow at Levi. “I caught Simone watching your interaction with your daughter, and she seems to be less than thrilled that she may have more competition.”
Levi’s forehead crinkled with disgust. “That woman is such—”
“A total psychopath?” Harrison cut Levi off with a laugh.
Levi exhaled. “That is certainly one way of describing her.”
Harrison gripped Levi’s shoulder. “And to think—she only has eyes for you!”
Navarre grinned. “Gentlemen, let us go.” He looked at Levi. “Harrison is correct. We must be attentive around Simone. I will be the one to announce that Levi show Marian to her rooms. I am quite confident Simone will not question my orders.”
Harrison held out his arm. “Let us return to the sitting room and give the ladies something to gossip about.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Reece paced the floor of her room, trying with all her power to wait patiently for Levi and Marian to arrive. Her mind was reeling with ideas of everything they would talk about. Finally, she could catch up with her daughter and learn more about growing up without her parents for the last fifteen years of her life.
It seemed like an eternity had passed before her heart reacted to the soft knock on her door. She rushed to the door, opened it, and impulsively hugged her daughter without saying a word.
“I am so happy you’re okay, sweetheart. I am so happy to see you again,” Reece said as she forced herself to release her hold on Marian.
Marian beamed. “I feel the same, Mother.” Her eyes roamed past Reece and around the room. “This palace, your room, this whole world—” She stared in amazement. “This is all more beautiful than I ever even imagined from all of the stories I have been told. I cannot put into words how surreal this is for me.”
Levi helped guide Marian into the room. “This experience is the most surreal thing that has ever happened, for so many reasons. Let us relax on the sofas,” he said while escorting the women down to the sitting area. “Are you ladies in need of tea or any refreshments?”
Marian looked at Levi. “Father, you are exactly the gentleman Grandmother told me about as I grew up.” She followed Reece and sat next to her on the sofa. “And no, I am perfectly fine.” She looked over at Reece and gripped her hand. “I am content finally having time alone with both my mother and father.”
Levi sat next to Reece and draped his arm behind her. “Marian, we want you to know how sorry we are that we were not there for all of your childhood.”
Marian smiled. “I understand. I, too, wish things could have been different, but I want you to know that I was not unhappy with my childhood. Grandmother and Aunt Lizzy loved me as though I were their very own. I was loved unconditionally and taken care of very well. My only pain was the knowledge that you all had died trying to save us.” Her eyes were brilliant as she sat up with excitement. “But we are together now, and that is all that matters.”
“I have to know,” Reece said as her hand lovingly covered Marian’s. “When did you first learn that you could travel through time?”
Marian stared past them. “The first time it happened, it frightened me.”
Before another word was spoken, Reece’s surroundings instantly changed. She was in Shallek’s village, and she was sitting across from Lady Allestaine and a very pregnant Elizabeth.
“Marian,” Allestaine said, “Even though many years have passed, we will never give up hope that your mother and father and the rest of our loved ones—”
Reece jerked, and she was back with Levi and Marian. “Mother?” Marian questioned with concern.
Reece gripped her forehead and exhaled. “I saw it. I don’t know how to explain this, but when you were speaking, I think I saw the memory you were describing,” she said as she looked at Marian and Levi’s confused expressions.
“You believe you saw the memory of her telling us about sitting with my mother and Elizabeth?”
Reece’s eyes widened as she looked back at Levi and nodded. “That is exactly what I saw. It was as thou
gh I was there and your mom and Lizzy were speaking to me—except, I was Marian. It was as though I were looking through her eyes.”
Levi sat up as Marian smiled. “Perhaps since you are holding my hand, somehow my memories were impressed into your mind.” She laughed. “If that is so, it will be much easier for me to explain everything to you.”
Reece placed her hand over Marian’s. “Let’s try that again. Think of another memory you had living in the village, and tell us about it.”
Just as Marian began to speak about a memory, once again, Reece was in Shallek’s village. Her fingers felt as though they were gripping onto two delicate hands. Her legs were unstable, but the surge of energy and excitement as she placed each foot in front of the other was exhilarating.
She heard Elizabeth laugh. “There you go, sweet one. You are doing it! You are walking!”
Reece jerked her hand away from Marian’s and was forced out of the memory. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Marian and couldn’t resist hugging her.
“I saw it.” She looked back at Levi and sniffed. “Lizzy taught our baby how to walk.”
Levi brushed the tears from Reece’s cheek. “So you are able to see her memories?” His brow knit together. “But how? Why now?”
“It must be because she is holding my hand as I talk about my memories,” Marian answered. “I have obviously mentioned my memories before in Mother’s presence, but she never saw them.”
Reece sighed. “It is strange, though, because I am not seeing Marian. It feels as though I am Marian. I felt Lizzy’s hands holding mine, and the sensations Marian felt as she started to walk.”
“Do you believe it will work with your father?” Marian asked.
Levi smiled. “Can we try?”
“Let us try.”
Reece leaned back, allowing Levi to hold Marian’s hand. “I won’t touch her this time, and we’ll see if that’s what is causing this mental connection.” She smiled at Marian. “Go ahead. Talk about walking with Lizzy again.”
Marian looked at Levi, who was watching her with eagerness. “I remember Aunt Lizzy was always very cheerful as she encouraged me to learn how to walk. I gripped her hands tightly as I—”