by Morgan, SL
Simone burst into tears.
Navarre looked at her and brought a deadly gaze back to Samuel. Samuel looked back at his Emperor sternly. “My Lord, you must believe me.”
Navarre stared intently into Samuel’s eyes, before he exhaled and nodded. “Quickly, Samuel, dispatch a troop of Guardians to the Philadelphia vortex.” Before Samuel could take a breath, Navarre demanded, “Go now! We may already be too late.”
Samuel’s expression was as dangerous as Navarre’s when he swiftly turned to leave the room.
As Navarre approached the table, Simone tried to remain calm, “Your Majesty, allow me to inform you privately—”
“I have no time for private conversations, Simone!”
Simone swallowed loudly. “My Lord, I beg of you, what I am to tell you, you would only want to hear in private.”
His gaze darkened, and she shivered in response. “Simone! Do not argue with me. My son and Harrison could be in grave danger—you will tell me everything you know immediately!”
All eyes at the table stared intently at Simone as she dropped her head into her hands and began to sob. Navarre walked over to Simone and towered over her. “Stand up.” His voice was even and deadly.
Allestaine was immediately at his side. Simone stood and managed to speak through her sobs. “I meant no harm, your Majesty, you must believe me. I thought the Ciatron…” She paused as her increased sobbing was preventing her from being able to speak.
Navarre grabbed her arms. “What—Simone—what did they tell you?” He growled.
Simone went into hysterics, unable to respond.
Allestaine put her hand over her husband’s. “Please, my Lord, release her and allow her to collect herself, or I fear she will be incapable of telling us what we need to know.”
Allestaine led her over to a seating area near the large dining room windows, and Navarre followed. Allestaine sat and embraced the broken woman, rubbing her back soothingly.
With the lady’s encouragement, Simone looked up at Navarre. “I was only trying to help us reach peace with our enemy.”
Navarre’s fists clenched and his body turned rigid. Reece couldn’t see his face, but she saw the quelling look Allestaine gave him.
“Please understand,” said Simone. “There was no malice intended.”
Reece contained her rage at the lie. She stared at the hateful woman with repulsion.
Simone, calmer now, began to speak more clearly. “I arranged a meeting with the Ciatron, with the hope that they would accept Reece as payment for an alliance with our world. They assured me they would. I knew we never had any chance against them, and that an arrangement such as this could be our only way out of a war—a war, I believe, we could never win.” She dropped her head into her hands, sobbing.
Navarre’s knuckles turned white, as Allestaine’s expression became dark. “You know nothing of military alliances and war! Do you understand that your deceitful plan would not only result in Reece’s demise, but also the destruction, and likely enslavement, of our world and others?” Navarre questioned in a low growl. “Of course you do not, because you have not a clue about who Miss Bryant really is! What gives you the power to go behind my back, and make an agreement with our enemy? If Harrison, or my son,—” He took a breath. “—or anyone else, meets his death due to this treason, then I assure you, your fate will be the same as theirs.”
Simone nearly fainted after hearing Navarre’s threat.
“How were you able to come into contact with them?”
Simone opened her mouth, but no words came out. Navarre seemed to be growing more impatient by the second. “Answer me, now!” He shouted.
Allestaine looked up at her husband, “My Lord, allow me a few moments with Simone. Please, go with Samuel, and see if we are having success with the troop he has dispatched. I will be there shortly.”
She looked at him confidently, and Reece watched Navarre relax in that moment. “Very well.” He looked down at Simone, who was crying hysterically. “Simone, your fate has yet to be decided.” He spun on his heel, and turned to leave the room.
As Navarre left, the young women still seated at the table were enveloped by their various emotions—shock, grief, possibly remorse. Reece wasn’t sure what Simone felt. It might be mere chagrin that made her cry.
Elizabeth had broken into silent tears, and Reece sat with her arm around her. “Levi is the most determined man I’ve ever met, Elizabeth. We can’t forget this is what they’re trained to do. I am sure they will be okay.” She whispered, and Elizabeth tried to smile.
“You’re right. I hope the men sent to save them will help them in time.” She said.
Reece hugged her, “Me, too.” She answered softly as she returned her attention to those around her.
Lillian was comforting Catherine, who stared at Simone as if her sister was a stranger, shocked that she would do such a thing.
Allestaine continued to pursue answers. “Simone, the only way you can make this right with everyone, and I know that is what you desire, is to tell me every detail of what you have done.”
Simone stared down at her hands. “I was given an opportunity to speak with one of the Ciatron guards. I foolishly thought that there might be a way to help Reece to return to the life she was most comfortable with, and also to help the stressful situation of our—”
Allestaine calmly interrupted her. “Reasons will not help us now. I need you to explain to me how you got the information to approach our most powerful adversary, and how you succeeded in meeting with them? How can a young woman from Pemdas not only disappear unnoticed, but find her way into the company of our greatest enemy?”
Simone stared at her with apparent regret. “I was motivated to seek them out myself, my lady. I—I went through the notes in my father’s office. He had written in great detail about the particular ways that our warriors would confront the Ciatron, and it motivated me to make plans of my own.” She sniffed.
Allestaine’s eyes narrowed. “I fail to understand why a lady of Pemdas would feel it is in her interest to meddle with battle plans. Perhaps it was the fact that you are a child of our greatest Pemdai commander that inspired this interest? However, I am not so ignorant to believe that.” She sighed.
“Simone, I don’t believe you came up with this idea alone. I believe you have been betrayed, not only by the Ciatron, but by another who helped encourage your ideas.”
Simone said nothing, but Reece could almost see her teeth clench.
Allestaine’s eyes narrowed. “You will tell me, Simone. Who helped you cross the vortices? Who led you into the Ciatron’s domain?”
“I was not helped, I did this alone. Please believe me.”
Allestaine seemed to grow tall and terrible as she sat there, rapidly losing her patience. “My son could be in grave danger. If he is still alive, that is. I will not sit here and be played by a foolish woman whose wicked plans may have put lives in danger. You cannot have gone alone; the Guardian horses would not carry you. Who rode you through the vortex, Simone?”
Simone paled. “It was Michael Visor. He doesn’t live in Pemdas anymore. He brought me home, and left. I have not seen him since,” she said sadly.
“What? Michael Visor? Why would he consider something of this nature? Levi always spoke highly of him.” She put her hands on Simone’s shoulders, and held her captive. “Why, Simone? Why would he do this, and not return to Pemdas?”
Simone stared meekly at the lady. “He didn’t say, but he’s always been envious of Levi.”
Allestaine dropped her hands from Simone’s shoulders. Her expression was deadly. Her voice lowered, “Of course, and now it makes perfect sense. Michael is Magnus Sterlington’s nephew.” She looked intensely at Simone, “Is that wretched man involved as well, Simone? You will tell me!”
Simone’s expression was unreadable, “I’m not sure; Michael never said anyone else was involved. You must understand, my lady, I believed Michael when he said no one would be
harmed. I never believed for one second that the Ciatron would hurt Reece or destroy Pemdas…I only—”
“Enough!” Lady Allestaine snapped. “The Emperor, his Commander, and I will discuss your reasons at a later time.” Allestaine rose up from the sofa. “This entire situation seems to spring from hatred and jealousy, and not only Sterlington’s and Michael’s. There is more to your story than you have told us. Fortunately for myself, I have no need to ask you any further questions. But know this: if lives are lost due to your ignorance, jealousy, and stupidity, you will spend the rest of your life atoning for the blood on your hands.” The lady looked toward the doorway, “Charles.”
A servant who was standing by the door quickly approached and bowed, “Your Majesty?”
“Escort Simone to her room, and place a guard at her door until the Emperor has decided what is to be done with her.”
The servant bowed again at Allestaine’s orders, “Majesty.” He said as he turned to escort Simone from the room.
Elizabeth stood and embraced her mother. Allestaine looked calm, showing no fear or grief. Reece was sure Allestaine was terrified, but she showed no weakness in public. Simone rejoined her sister and Lillian, broken and in tears. She did not look in Reece’s direction once, and Reece was grateful for it.
The three young women walked quickly out of the room. Allestaine remained with her daughter and Reece, who stood staring numbly at the doors that had closed behind the women.
“Ladies, if you will excuse me, I must give Navarre this new information.” Allestaine said.
“Yes, of course.” Reece responded. “I think Elizabeth and I will head outdoors, and get some fresh air.”
Allestaine nodded, “Very well. We must all be strong now, and know that Navarre and Samuel will bring Levi, Harrison, and the rest of our men, back to us safely.”
With that Allestaine quickly made her exit from the room.
Chapter 21
It was close to an hour after Elizabeth and Reece headed out to the Palace gardens that Allestaine rejoined them.
“Elizabeth, darling, I am going to need a moment alone with Reece.” Allestaine said as she approached where Reece and Elizabeth were sitting.
Elizabeth stood and smiled, “Yes, Mother. Has father learned any more news?”
Allestaine brought her daughter into a loving embrace, and stood back and stared confidently into her eyes. “Your father is planning with Samuel and the other warriors to help your brother and Harrison. We have no new information at this time; however, there is no reason not to be hopeful. Harrison and Levi would expect nothing less of us.”
Elizabeth nodded, and Reece felt a wave of anxiety rush through her. Still no answers?
Elizabeth thanked Reece for her support, and turned to walk back to the Palace.
Allestaine sat next to Reece, and looked at her with concern. “Reece, I really cannot find the proper words to express mine and Navarre’s sincerest apologies in regard to the confrontation you experienced with Simone this morning.”
Reece stared at Allestaine in disbelief, “Lady Allestaine, please don’t apologize. I only hoped that I got the information to the Emperor in time. Does he know what could’ve happened to Harrison and Levi when they returned to Earth?”
Allestaine exhaled, “Not at this time. Right now, he and Samuel can only speculate. Once Navarre received your letter, he immediately tried to contact Harrison and Levi to see if Simone’s words to you could be validated. When they did not respond, Navarre knew that the reason the Ciatron had left Earth, as Samuel reported, must have been a trap. We don’t know what Levi and Harrison have faced upon their return, and that is why Navarre is assiduously sending men back to Earth to help them. We know very well that the Ciatron will be extremely hostile with our warriors since they have learned that we have had the Key residing in Pemdas. All we can do is hope that the Guardians being deployed to recover Levi and Harrison will be successful.”
Reece’s heart began to race. What were they really up against? All of this was happening because of Simone’s jealousy and hatred of Reece?
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Reece said softly.
Allestaine looked at her sympathetically, “We are as astonished as you are. Reece, if I may ask, how is it that Simone would come to disclose such information to you? Please understand, Navarre and I are extremely grateful she did.”
Reece cleared her throat, “I don’t think she planned to. But this morning, she saw me outside saying goodbye to Levi—” Reece knew she had to tell Allestaine about her and Levi. She hoped the Empress would receive the information well. “Lady Allestaine, there is something I have to tell you, and I’m not sure how you will take the information. I know you have all been through so much already. You see, Levi and I –”
Allestaine placed her hand gently on Reece’s, “Reece,” a faint smile lifted in the corner of her mouth, “I already know.”
Reece swallowed hard, “You know?” She asked unsure of what to say.
Allestaine nodded, and then her countenance grew somber, “Reece, this may be the reason for Simone’s betrayal; however, it will also be the reason I believe my son will return to us.” Allestaine stood, and extended her arm to Reece.
When Reece stood up, Allestaine embraced her. “Reece, you must understand, Levi will be doing everything in his power to return to you. Stay strong for him, and trust that he will.” She said softly. She withdrew from Reece and smiled.
Reece had no idea how the lady could have known about her and Levi, but she was a very intuitive woman, and Reece had no doubt that Allestaine could have picked up on this long before Levi told her he loved her.
Before Reece could say anything more, Allestaine spoke. “Now, I must go speak with Simone, and I am sure Elizabeth would love your company.”
Over the next three days, the atmosphere in the Palace was extremely tense. Everyone wore somber expressions, and if Reece encountered Navarre or Allestaine, it was usually while walking through the corridors. Allestaine would stop and give greetings to Reece and Elizabeth, but her mind was obviously elsewhere. She would offer assurances to Reece and Elizabeth that, even though there were still no answers; they must know that no one was giving up. On the rare occurrence that they saw Navarre, his expression was grave. His acknowledgement consisted of no more than a subdued nod. The noble man appeared not to have slept since the night before Harrison and Levi went missing. The distress was apparent on his face, yet he seemed determined all in the same.
Reece saw that the tension in the Palace was troubling Elizabeth. Therefore, instead of worrying for herself, Reece put all of her energy into comforting her. Even though the weather grew cold again, and light snow would fall, Reece encouraged Elizabeth to get outside of the Palace with her.
Eventually, Lady Allestaine consented to allow Simone to join the other women at meal times. The Emperor and Allestaine made it clear to the woman that she was not to be trusted, however, the only reason she wasn’t treated as a common traitor was because of who her father was; Navarre and Pemdas’s most loyal subject. It was clear that Simone was not only victim to the Ciatron, but to Michael Visor’s motives as well. He had led Simone to believe that it would be a simple trade, and no one would be harmed. Simone, driven by jealousy, agreed to help. She might not have been treated as a criminal, but life as she knew it would never be the same. A guard was to remain at her door each night, and she was heavily watched throughout the day, due to the threats she made towards Reece.
Simone was a different woman since the morning she threatened Reece. She seemed feeble and broken now. It made Reece wonder if Simone actually did believe that the Ciatron would make a simple trade with the Pemdai. Apparently, she was ignorant about Pemdas’s greatest enemy, and of how important a person Reece was to their way of life.
Despite her grief, Reece did her best to remain strong; however, comfort only came to her when she curled up with the coat that she wore the morning Levi left. With the fragrance
of his cologne still lingering on it, she would close her eyes and it would seem as though he was there, lying next to her. She would imagine his face, his vivid blue eyes, and the breathtaking grin he displayed that showed his love for her.
Reece knew Levi would return to her, he had to. It was only a matter of time. Navarre had men searching throughout all of the dimensions trying to find Harrison and Levi, and she knew he would find them.
On the fifth day of Harrison and Levi’s disappearance, Reece walked into the sitting room, and stared out into the valley below. She gazed down at the village, and silently begged for Levi to return to her.
She had no idea how long she stood staring out of the window, before she heard a group of men talking in the hallway. Levi? Could he have returned without her notice? There were other roads beside this one that led back to the Palace, maybe he had returned. Her heart raced as she turned in hopes to find him standing in the doorway. She quickly walked toward the door, but when she looked out into the corridor, she realized that the voice she heard was Navarre’s.
She listened as Navarre and Samuel approached a group of about fifty Guardians.
“Gentlemen, as you are all well aware, this is an extremely dangerous mission. Every Guardian we have sent out has not returned to us yet. But, I ask you to remember who you are, and who the Pemdai are. We will not stop until all of our men are recovered. Pemdas is depending on you to help us bring our men home.”
All of our men—what is going on?
“We are changing our approach about how we are returning through the various vortices.” Samuel added. “This should help make this mission a successful one.
“Give us our orders, Emperor. We are ready, and await your command.” One man said.
“Very well, gentlemen. Let us go to the command center where Samuel will show you the strategy that he has planned for this mission.” Navarre said as he and Samuel led the way into another room.