by S. L. Morgan
Reece exhaled, watching everyone’s expressions in the room. King Nathaniel offered an encouraging hand on Samuel’s shoulder, even though he had no idea what Samuel had seen. Samuel rubbed his eyes, his hands stiff as he slowly revealed his face to everyone waiting patiently in the room.
His eyes were weary as he looked over at Reece. “That child has always had a hateful streak that ran in her blood,” he finally said. “Reece, I am deeply sorry for her actions toward you.” He looked at Navarre. “And I am sorry my daughter betrayed you, Emperor.”
Samuel looked like a broken man, and it was heartbreaking for Reece to look at him. Levi covered her hand with his, bringing Reece to meet his eyes. The confidence in them reassured Reece that even though Samuel was having difficulty accepting that his daughter would betray all of them, Samuel was a warrior and would gather himself quickly. As soon as the thought entered her mind, Samuel stood and walked over to Galleta and Marian.
“Thank you for showing me that. Forgive my sudden reaction.” He looked over at Navarre. “All I have is the knowledge of what she did, as Marian did not witness it, but I must know where and when this takes place.”
“We believe that in close to a week or so from now, Simone will leave the palace with Catherine and Lillian. They take their vacation in Sandari. That is where we believe she and Michael make arrangements to meet with the Ciatron,” Navarre stated.
Samuel nodded. “If those two meet with the Ciatron, how are they able to jump the borders? A Guardian horse would never jump—”
“It was a mystery at the time to us as well,” Harrison interjected. “Somehow Michael’s horse was soured, and he was able to bring them across the barriers. We still have no idea why the Ciatron did not destroy them when they encountered them. We will know once we follow Simone when she meets with Michael.”
“Okay. Now that Samuel has recovered himself, can we please be let in on what is going on?” King Hamilton said as he looked around the room.
Reece watched Harrison’s expression lighten as he looked into King Hamilton’s eyes. “Do you ladies think you have enough juice to get through a couple more Pemdai minds?”
King Hamilton smiled at Harrison. “Is there something, in particular, I should know about?”
Navarre laughed aloud, encouraging everyone to look at him in shock. As Navarre shrugged and glanced at Harrison, King Hamilton stood and cocked his head to the side, studying him. “No,” Navarre said with a laugh.
Harrison crossed his arms and looked at King Hamilton with a guilty grin. “Yeah, you might want to see for yourself.”
Once King Hamilton finished linking with the minds of Marian and Galleta, he squinted over at a very interested Harrison. King Hamilton’s face was more solemn than Reece had ever seen it.
“You know I admire you greatly, young man,” King Hamilton started as he rubbed his chin, “but we are all aware of how you feel about relationships. Why—out of all the women—why would you take a chance with my Angie to prove you can make a woman happy?”
There was a bit of edge to his voice that Reece couldn’t follow.
“Your Majesty,” Harrison started, “believe me, it was unexpected, but I did fall in love with her, and before she died—” Harrison stopped himself. He cleared his throat. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. We fell in love, and you accepted it. I am only sorry Marian was told stories about it, and she doesn’t have the real memories of everything.”
“Harry,” King Nathaniel stood. “Are you feeling okay, son?”
“NO!” Harrison shouted.
Levi was immediately at Harrison’s side. “Harrison, you must calm yourself.”
Reece felt tears in her eyes as she watched Harrison refrain from losing control. “That is all I have been doing since I lost Angie and our unborn children.” He glared at Levi. “You have Reece—you do not have to win her back and go through all of this again.”
“Wait a minute!” Reece blurted out. “Maybe I can help.”
“How so?” Levi answered.
Reece smiled. “Maybe if I can project my memories into Marian’s mind or Galleta’s mind, they can see what actually happened in full detail.”
Lady Allestaine rose up. “Reece, your mind is protected.”
“It is protected,” Reece responded. “But maybe it’s not shielded from my daughter’s.”
Marian smiled as she walked over to Reece and held both of her hands. “There’s only one way to find out.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
While the group sat silently studying Marian and Reece, Harrison focused on calming his inner rage. Having watched Angeline die in his arms only a few days ago to seeing her alive and well was as wonderful as it was devastating. She had no memories of the love they shared together. Looking at her and not seeing her love for him staring back wrenched his heart completely. Trying to subdue his emotions around her was the hardest challenge he had faced yet, and King Hamilton’s reaction to Harrison marrying his daughter sent Harrison spiraling with anger about the current situation.
He had to admit to himself that at this previous point in his life, he was a different man. He was entirely open to everyone about his arrogant opinions of love, and he had proven to everyone that he selfishly involved himself with women, only to leave them heartbroken after he had taken advantage of their trust. That is the Harrison that King Hamilton knew.
This is not about you and Angie right now, Harrison, he inwardly scolded himself. You must remain focused on the mission.
“Stop,” Harrison spoke out, forcing the group to study him with concern.
“It’s working,” Marian smiled. “I have my mother’s memories.”
“Remarkable,” Navarre responded as he looked to King Hamilton. “Now, hopefully, we can rest your mind at ease with the fact that Harrison—”
“Forgive the interruption, Emperor,” Harrison interrupted. “As much as I wish for the king to accept that I am no longer the man he currently believes me to be, we must focus on the greater picture. My personal life is not important at this time. What is important is that we show everyone what transpired due to the betrayal so that we can make our plans and stop this from happening again.”
“You make an excellent point, but I believe it is best we share these memories with those in this room so they can understand the mission we are to face. I wish for them to see the fate of Pemdas and all of our lives if we do not stop the betrayal,” Navarre responded as he looked to Marian. “What have you learned from your mother’s memories that you can share? Will it help us?”
“Everything. The process was quick, but I have seen the events and all of the results that my mother remembers up until the day I arrived at the cabin to bring you all back to this time period.”
“Excellent,” Navarre nodded.
“Do you think that if we all gathered together, Queen Galleta and Marian could show this information to everyone all at once?” King Hamilton asked.
“Let us try,” King Nathaniel said. “I believe I am the only one sitting in the dark about what transpired.”
Navarre stepped back. “Gentlemen,” he looked over at Lady Allestaine, “Empress. If you desire, gather around and hold hands. Do your best to relax your minds to receive this information, and let down the barrier that protects your mind from mental intrusion. We shall see if this works. If it does not, then it must be one person at a time.”
Harrison sat next to Levi and Reece, watching as the group held hands and closed their eyes. As Navarre folded his arms, solemnly watching the group, Harrison couldn’t help but find all of this odd, yet humorous.
“Is it just me, or do you get the feeling that we need to dim the lights in the room, bring in candles, and wait for them to start chanting?” Harrison whispered to Levi.
Levi looked over at Harrison with a subtle grin. “I am relieved to see you in better spirits again, my friend.”
“I will admit that my emotions have been quite erratic as of late. I am sorry for s
napping, but I am having a hard time.” He nodded over at the group as they remained silent. “Hopefully, this mental memory thing works. I am ready to begin plotting to stop that witch and her puppet from betraying us.”
Levi nodded. “As am I.”
Harrison followed Levi’s eyes as the group released their connected hands and watched as the men looked at each other with expressions of disbelief, anger, and grief.
“Looks like something got through to them,” Harrison said as he stood with Reece and Levi.
“May I ask if the exercise was successful?” Navarre questioned.
“Indeed, it was,” Samuel answered shakily. “It would appear as though your return to this time period not only saves Pemdas and Earth but many other lives as well.” He looked at Reece dolefully. “You chose to spare Simone’s life after everything she had done?”
Harrison watched Reece inhale deeply. “Yes.”
Samuel approached her, eyes somewhat glassy. “You are the most honorable of women, Miss Bryant.” He shook his head. “Forgive me, Mrs. Oxley. I would have ordered for her death as a result of what she caused.”
“I was tempted,” Reece answered, “but I felt that there was nothing worse than being tortured in isolation for the rest of your life with nothing but memories of why you got there and the life you could have had if you had simply found peace in your life.”
Samuel placed both hands on his hips. “That is an intriguing punishment for her treachery,” he responded. He looked at Navarre. “On this mission, I do not believe the guilty should be treated so leniently.”
“The issue at hand is that they have not yet committed the crime. By catching them at such an early stage, the majority of their duplicity will not have been achieved. I believe our only course of action is to imprison them for high treason and have them heavily guarded once they have been caught acting out their plans.”
Samuel’s eyes grew distant. “As you command, Emperor.”
Navarre studied the group. “Now that you all are perfectly aware of what has happened and what the future holds if Levi and Harrison do not stop this, are there any questions?”
“Questions?” King Nathaniel laughed. “Brother, I am still trying to comprehend what I have seen.”
“Know this: we are creating a new reality and future now. Most of what you saw in that alternate future will never happen to us, as everything changes once we stop The Key from being revealed to all dimensions and most importantly Mordegrin.” Navarre cleared his throat. “We will meet in Samuel’s office this afternoon. For now, take all the time you need to process what you have seen.”
With the meeting being adjourned, Harrison turned to Levi. “Now what?” he said impatiently.
Levi shrugged. “We go back to living our fake lives until we stop them.”
A firm hand on Harrison’s shoulder encouraged him to turn. “Forgive my earlier assumptions,” King Hamilton stated. His face was serious as he went on. “So the commander of the Guardians in the future finds love with my daughter?”
Harrison nodded.
A smile drew up in the corner of King Hamilton’s mouth. “I do wonder if being the commander was the reason she fell in love with you?” he teased.
“If I may be so bold, sir, but I—”
“Calm down, boy,” King Hamilton laughed. “I am giving you a hard time. It does appear that you have changed. After witnessing everything, you have amazed me. My daughter could not be in safer hands.” His expression grew dark. “To watch her die was the hardest thing I have ever witnessed.” He looked over at Levi and back to Harrison. “You will stop these treacherous fools from plotting to betray us and expose The Key. You could not save Angie’s life then, but now you can.” He patted Harrison’s shoulder.
“I intend to, Your Majesty.”
King Hamilton grinned and turned to follow everyone out of the room.
Levi nudged Harrison in his side. “We will get through this.”
“At least Ham gets it now!” he said as he looked over at Levi, Reece, and Marian, who had just joined them. “You guys go catch up with Lady Allestaine. She looks like she is overwhelmed with joy over what she has witnessed, and I desperately need some fresh air.”
“Harrison,” Reece called out, stopping him. “I think we can help you with Angie. We can privately have Marian show her—”
“No. Not a chance,” Harrison returned. “I appreciate your offer, Reece, but I will not have Angeline see the memories of her death and the death of our unborn children.” Unexpectedly, he smiled. “I will find a way to get Angie back; however, I must make that the least of my concerns right now. We must focus on stopping Simone and Michael.”
Reece impulsively hugged him. “Everything’s going to be okay.” She stepped back and smiled. “Can I offer some advice?”
Harrison frowned. “Advice?”
“Yes. Harrison, you may not see it, but we do. It’s obvious that you are frustrated, and every time you look at Simone—well, let’s just say if looks could kill, she’d be dead already.”
Harrison studied Reece and Levi’s expressions, knowing they were right. His natural good-humored self was all but gone. His frustration about Angeline was overruling any humor he carried within him. He wasn’t acting like himself, and he needed to change his mindset.
“I agree,” he finally responded. “I believe I will follow in Levi’s footsteps and use this time before our meeting with Samuel to let an aggressive horseback ride ease my frustrations.”
Levi grinned. “An excellent idea. We shall see you when we report to the command center.”
“Until then,” Harrison said as he turned to leave.
Harrison walked out of the palace and headed directly toward the stables. He was stopped when he heard Simone’s shrill voice. “Harrison!” she cried out with urgency.
Harrison turned back and clasped his hands behind his back. “Is there something I can do for you?” he said, taking notice of all of the young women amongst her.
Her cherry red lips parted in a cunning smile. “We were all growing quite bored, and I believe it would be nice to have the company of a gentleman around.” She looked around the area with a frown. “Where are Levi, Miss Bryant, and Miss Garrett?”
“That would be none of your business, madam.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “Now if you will forgive me, I must be on my way. Entertaining you is not something I would do if my life depended upon it.”
Simone reached up to slap his face when Harrison caught her hand. “You, Harrison, are a complete—”
“Excuse me,” Angeline called out.
Harrison dropped Simone’s wrist and smiled at the fiery gaze Angeline displayed for Simone. “Simone, do you ever question why men run so swiftly from your presence?”
“You are a foolish child, and I would hold my tongue if I were you, Angeline Hamilton!”
“Speaking of Simone running people off.” Harrison glanced around, noticing Elizabeth wasn’t with them. “Why is Lizzy not with you, Angie? And why are you left alone in the company of these women?”
“Lizzy excused herself for the afternoon,” Angeline stammered.
Harrison could immediately tell Angeline was conjuring up some excuse as to why Elizabeth excused herself.
“Our young cousin can be so fragile at times,” Lillian said flatly.
Harrison arched an eyebrow at his sister and smiled at Angeline. “One does not need to have a delicate spirit to desperately want out of the presence of you and your petty friends, Lillian.” He lifted his chin. “I am unsure as to how Angie has managed to withstand being with all of you.” He looked at Angeline. “Please, allow me to offer you my condolences.”
Angeline’s cheeks flush red in response, but she maintained her composure. “There is no need for that, Harry. I was about to retire to the library anyway.”
“Harrison, you are too bold with your words, and your attitude is unbearable as of late,” Lillian snapped. “What has gotten into you?”
>
“I am perfectly fine,” he answered as he glared at his sister. “If you will excuse me, I was on my way out. A horseback ride on Saracen sounds more inviting than quarreling with you.” He looked at Angeline. “You are welcome to join me if you would like.”
Angeline’s eyes widened. “I would love to, but wouldn’t that be—”
“Irrefutably improper!” Simone blurted out.
“Simone—” Harrison started.
“Go with him, Angie!” King Hamilton said as he walked up to the group with Levi, Reece, and Marian. “I can tell by the expression on your face that you are desperate to get away from the palace for a while. Perhaps Harrison can grant you your greatest desire of riding a Guardian stallion since your brother Julian will not allow you to enjoy the experience with his horse.”
Angeline spun around, beaming at Harrison. His heart hammered against his chest as her bronze eyes stared longingly into his.
“It would be an honor,” Harrison returned.
“Please, allow me a moment to change into my riding habit,” she said excitedly as she offered Harrison a small curtsy. “Thank you, Harry. This promises to be a day I shall never forget.”
King Hamilton winked at Harrison while Levi, Reece, and Marian stood silently with knowing expressions on their faces. Simone, Lillian, and Catherine glared off into the distance, clearly upset by what had occurred. As they tried to leave, King Hamilton’s authoritative gaze fell on them, stopping them from saying a word.
“Perhaps you ladies should go practice your needlepoint and give everyone some peace around the palace. It would be wise for all of you to reflect upon your continual improper behavior toward others,” King Hamilton boldly stated.
“King Hamilton, with great respect, I must humbly say that—”
“Silence, Simone,” King Hamilton cut her off. “I have borne witness to your antics on many occasions, and I know firsthand that you know nothing of great respect. I do not appreciate your insult of my daughter’s manners. In fact, you should learn your place when speaking to a princess. You would do well to polish up on your etiquette while in the company of your superiors and quit playing these childish games with everyone.”