Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Page 11

  Upon reaching the Palace, they retired to their rooms to freshen up for dinner. Jasmeen’s high spirits amused Reece and strengthened her for dinner with the other three women.

  At dinner, the four young women were alone at the table. Simone entertained them with underhanded comments about Earth, and about Reece. Catherine and Lillian laughed, encouraging Simone further, while Reece kept resolutely silent.

  Reece had hardly ever been as relieved as she was when dinner was over. She opted out of joining them in the sitting room. Their looks of surprise made her think perhaps she should have offered an excuse, but she didn’t really care. She’d spent enough time with them. She knew she would have to build some form of acquaintance with them, or her days here would be miserable. As much as she didn’t want to, she had to face these women, and deal with them.

  “You know,” she said to Jasmeen before getting in bed. “I think I want to start the morning off with a run, and maybe a little exploring. Get me up early, will you?” Jasmeen looked dubious, but Reece was determined.

  “All right, if that’s what you want. Will you wear your Earth clothes?”

  “If they are clean, then, yes. It may horrify the good Pemdai people, but I can’t run in a long skirt.”

  “As you wish,” Jasmeen responded as Reece settled into bed, “sleep well.” Reece nodded tiredly, and as her eyes closed, she drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 10

  Reece was up the next morning, and slipped into her running clothes before Jasmeen appeared. Still annoyed about the previous day with the young women, she wondered how she would make it through this one.

  She found her way easily from her room to the back of the house, and set off in the direction from which Levi had brought her on the first day. A vigorous run was exactly what she needed; she looked forward to getting back into some semblance of her familiar routine.

  When she returned to the house, she showered and allowed Jasmeen to dress her for the day, even continuing to agree on the Pemdai fashions. Fortunately, she was in a much better mood; she felt refreshed, more like herself, and ready to face what might come.

  Breakfast was surprisingly enjoyable, as Reece managed to ignore most of what Simone rambled on about. The fact that the young women did not include her in most of their conversations, made it easy for Reece to ignore them without seeming rude. When Reece was addressed, she replied briefly, allowing them to move on with their discussions.

  After breakfast, shopping was, again, the order of the day. Reece enjoyed getting out, despite the company. She found the town delightful, and the inhabitants welcoming and friendly. It amused her to watch the young women interact with the residents and the workers. They acted like they were royalty, gracing everyone with their presence, and the people seemed to good-naturedly go along. If anyone noticed Reece, or found her interesting, Simone was the first to make them aware that she would not be staying long.

  Three days of these shopping adventures had passed. The constant insult now coming from Simone was about how Earth was so entirely beneath Pemdas. Simone would slyly maneuver her way through insults, always subtly implying that Reece was equally as vulgar, being from such a place. Reece shook it off, Simone had no idea the differences, and she knew it. Having experienced both places, Reece had concluded that both had their pros and cons; however, she would never get into that particular argument with Simone. As much as she would love to shut the woman down entirely, Reece was wise, and learned in the beginning that it was always best to remain silent when Simone would start in with her insults. Reece inwardly knew the truth, and that was all that mattered.

  It was on the third night after the family had left the Palace, word came they would be returning within a week, sooner than was expected. Elizabeth had been in a carriage accident; she was thrown, and suffered a broken leg after a wheel had come off. She was to stay behind until she was fully healed. Allestaine would not have her travel until she was assured the ride home for her would be comfortable.

  Apparently, they expected Elizabeth to be riding and dancing within a month. Lillian told a very curious Reece that they use a healing lotion that mends such injuries expediently.

  Two days before the family’s scheduled return, Reece had finally reached her limit with Simone.

  Every evening after dinner, the young women settled in the sitting room. Reece enjoyed the soothing environment, and it usually helped her unwind from a long day with her companions. The weather had begun to cool, and so each evening, Reece sat in a comfortable chair, between the windows and the fire, curled up with a blanket, and found her serenity. On her lap, she usually had a book from the Palace’s library, while the young women generally spent their evenings flipping through pages of various books on fashion.

  Reece was perfectly content. She allowed her mind to drift from her book to gaze out the windows before her. Relaxed and comfortable, she closed the book and settled further into the chair.

  Giggling and laughter brought her attention to the sofa where the three women were lounging in front of the fireplace. She smiled at their bond. Their personalities might not match hers, but they seemed very close. She found herself missing her friends back home. She faintly smiled and then returned her gaze to the window, watching the moonlight sparkle in the grass and waters below it.

  “Reece? Reece, I must know this instant what it is that you are staring at!” Simone demanded in her soprano voice.

  Reece snapped out of her relaxed state, and looked up to find Simone coming toward her. “Every night that we have come in here, you end up sitting here, reading one of our books. And now, here you are staring out of the windows; at what? Absolutely nothing!”

  Reece sat up in her chair, slightly stunned. “I didn’t know that what I do, or don’t do, with my time concerned you so much, Simone. I’m flattered that you’ve taken the time to question what I’m doing.” She smiled gently, and waited for an answer.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Simone said as she brushed the hair lying on her shoulder to her back. “I simply find it amazing that one would consume her time gazing out of a window into darkness, after hearing the news that in only two more days, a certain family is to return to the Palace.” She winked at Reece, and Reece stared at her in confusion.

  Simone laughed her usual high-pitched trill, which would have been contagious had there been no malice behind it. “We all know Levi and Harrison return with them. I will admit that it has been rather…well…rather boring and dull without them around, wouldn’t you?” She cocked a brow and giggled.

  Oh, please. Here we go…the Levi and Harrison thing, again, Reece thought, once she understood what Simone was trying to imply. “Are you asking me if I find it boring around here without two men I hardly know?”

  Simone took a chair opposite Reece, blocking the window. She cleared her throat as if preparing to lecture her. “Don’t you find it stimulating to hear of their return? Why, I’ve never met a woman who wouldn’t be excited about the return of two exceptionally handsome men. After all, I’m sure you know they will be giving you their undivided attention.”

  Lillian stood and came over to the conversation. In the last few days, Lillian and Catherine had both seemed to change their attitudes toward Reece. They weren’t friendly, but their insulting comments had ceased, and they no longer seemed disgusted by her presence. Now, Lillian looked questioningly at Simone, but her friend willfully ignored her, pursuing an agenda that Reece was unsure about.

  “I have no idea what you are trying to imply,” she stated as she set her book aside. “I have put up with your rudeness long enough, and therefore, I’m not going to answer your ridiculous question.”

  She stood up. Simone also stood, and used her tall, slender figure to tower over Reece. Her face flushed with rage as she squeezed her lips into a fine line. For the first time since she met her, Reece found no beauty in the woman.

  Then Simone smiled, with what seemed to be a great effort of will, and her features
softened. “Reece, I was speaking in jest, trying to lighten the evening.”

  Reece didn’t say anything.

  “You did not think I was accusing you of anything?” Simone said, almost crooning the words.

  Reece looked at her in disbelief.

  “I hope I have not upset you, Reece. We’ve enjoyed entertaining you for this past week or so.” She giggled—a combination of amusement, malice, and perhaps, a touch of nerves.

  “Entertaining me? Well, I guess that would be one way to put it. And I have been entertained—or at least, educated—by your pathetic spite. I’ve spent these last few days listening to your ignorant contempt of me and my home. I think that if I hear the words, ‘our beautiful Pemdas,’ one more time, I’ll lose my mind. You have done nothing but treat me like a desperate fool from some other miserable land. Then, you insult me further, by insinuating that I would sit here and daydream of your men?”

  Simone was expressionless while Reece finished, “I’ve had all I can take. It’s a big house; I don’t have to stay here with you people.” She turned to leave and then stopped, looking back to find all three women staring at her in shock. “Don’t forget, I didn’t choose to come to here. I was kidnapped, and forced to live here by your marvelous Pemdas warriors, who are interested in Earth only as it serves to keep ‘your beautiful Pemdas’ safe. Believe me when I say, I would far rather be home with my friends.”

  It was Simone who made the first effort, and walked toward Reece. She laid a hand gently on Reece’s arm. Reece shook the hand off with a shudder, as if it were a spider.

  “Reece,” said Lillian, “I’m sorry. Simone has finally crossed a line, and she knows better. Please, don’t leave; we’ve truly enjoyed your company.”

  Reece stared into Lillian’s eyes. What a coward. She was afraid Reece would tell the Empress. “Allow me to make this perfectly clear; I don’t need anyone’s sympathy, especially any of yours.” Her tone was smooth and deadly. “I’m glad you enjoy my company. I, on the other hand, have had better conversations with the silversmith in the village, than I’ve had with any of you. Fine clothes obviously don’t make either fine manners or interesting minds.”

  Simone’s eyes narrowed, while Reece continued. “Your idea of keeping someone company seems to be a mixture of ill-will and showing off, but without the courage to do either one openly. You’ve pretended to befriend me, while stifling laughter whenever I speak, and belittling my home from morning until night. Why? Because you’re all too self-absorbed to make the effort to know someone new, or to learn about a different place. Then you feign astonishment about having alienated me! Well, I thank you for showing me what your ‘lovely land’ of Pemdas is really like.”

  Reece nodded formally. “Ladies, I bid you good night.” She spun on her heel, and walked briskly away. Her heart was beating fast, but she felt cleansed and free.

  In her dimly-lit rooms, a fire had been lit, and her nightclothes laid out. Jasmeen’s attention to her needs comforted her more than she thought possible. She fell asleep with a smile on her lips, thinking about how the maid was a better companion, and a better person, than any of the ladies.

  The following morning, she woke earlier than usual. After her run and shower, Jasmeen was ready to make her up for the day. This was becoming Reece’s favorite part of the day. Jasmeen was always full of energy and life. Reece wished she could spend all of her time with her, until Samuel decided she could safely return to Earth.

  “Maybe more of a natural look today, Jasmeen? Will I shock anyone if I don’t have my hair up?”

  “Not in the daytime, on the Palace grounds.” Jasmeen grinned. “You wouldn’t want to go into the shopping areas that way, though.” She arranged Reece’s hair to flow freely down her back before fetching a blue, silk gown. “There’s a matching coat as well; the weather is growing chilly. Winter is upon us now, and we may see snow.”

  “Thank you, Jasmeen.” Reece smiled at her. “Thank you for everything.”

  Sending word that she wouldn’t be at breakfast, Reece grabbed a warm muffin from the kitchen, and set out for a walk. She’d found a secluded trail while out running one morning; it was one of her favorite routes to walk. She watched small creatures hopping or darting through the green shrubbery. Reece laughed, as the area seemed to be filled with small rabbits and squirrels throughout. It was intriguing to see how the nature was identical to Earth’s. It was probably why she loved these walks; it was where she felt closest to her home. The trail led along the creek, the same creek that seemed to surround the Palace, and opened into a meadow that was like its own world. Tall, lavender flowers blanketed ground like purple snow. Dark green trees with low-hanging, mossy branches made a backdrop against the sky. This was serenity, and she found, as she had since she first discovered this place, that peace seeped into her bones.

  A white fence with a stile over it led to the horse pasture. She stared in awe at the black horses as they grazed and drank from the creek bordering the meadow. After a moment of hesitation, she climbed the stile and sat down in the pasture, on a long tree that had fallen on its side.

  This was new to her, to be so close to the horses without a fence between. Even so, she found herself completely relaxed. With serenity all about her, she closed her eyes and listened to the insects, the creek, and the shuffling of the horses; letting the sounds fill her heart, and soothe her spirit.

  Eventually, she started to feel the cold. Jasmeen had been correct, and Reece was grateful for the long coat she had been given. It was probably time to head back; she didn’t want anyone out looking for her. Feeling rejuvenated, Reece stood, stretched, and started back toward the path.

  She was distracted by a foal, which frolicked away from the herd toward her. Amazed, she stopped and turned, trying not to startle it.

  It slowed to a walk, lowered its head, and came nearer. Reece held out her hand, and the foal came closer, investigating her by smelling the air around her. When its nose was within her reach, she touched it gently. It seemed to trust her; perhaps it trusted humans in general. She ran her hands through its short mane—silky smooth, like the rest of its coat. It leaned against her. Then it stood up again, looking at something behind Reece. She turned to see what had the foal’s attention.

  A familiar figure stood on the other side of the fence. Levi, wearing a long black overcoat, was leaning against a tree; feet and arms crossed, and eyes glowing with amusement. How long had he been there? Reece had thought they weren’t due home for two more days.

  He looked tired, but his smile almost erased evidence of his journey home. It was plain to her that he must have arrived back to the Palace this morning, as his hair was not as neatly kept as she had seen it before.

  Reece strolled in his direction, the foal frisking alongside her. “Do you enjoy sneaking up on people in the middle of nowhere?”

  He chuckled as he started toward her. “I see you’ve found yourself a little hiding place.” A stunning smile lit his face.

  “Not such a good one; you found me right away,” Reece said. Levi’s presence did something to her voice, but she hoped he didn’t notice that. “I was actually on my way back to the house. I didn’t want to have anyone looking for me and risk giving away my secret little place.”

  Levi laughed. “Your secret little place, is it? I believe the horses had it first.” He reached out to the foal, who was nudging Reece for more attention, and scratched behind its ears. “Although, it appears to have served you well—at least, I can see you’ve made a friend.” He rubbed under the colt’s chin.

  “I guess I have,” Reece said. Watching him pet the foal was having a weird effect on her heart rate. She was baffled by her reaction. In the small amount of time he’d been gone, she hadn’t once thought about him. She had forgotten how stunning the man was. Now, it was coming back as a rushing wave, making it difficult to concentrate in his presence. “I was amazed when he decided to come over to me.” She laughed, looking at the colt, which was now nuzz
ling under Levi’s coat.

  Levi laughed as well, and stepped over the stile into the pasture. “I also was shocked, when I saw him approach you. These horses do not give their attention to just anyone. This fellow’s breeding should make him a far cry from outgoing and friendly. His sire is my horse, and Areion will make you work very hard for acceptance. These horses are our most valuable possessions. I believe we told you that they are the only ones who can leap through the boundaries and bring individuals into Pemdas.”

  Reece nodded. “So, these are the only horses that can do that? Not any other kind?”

  “Only these. They have minds of their own, and a kind of rudimentary emotional antennae. They know whether or not anyone will bring us problems. In battle, they are as good as a human warrior. They’re not naturally this friendly to anyone, but once you gain their trust, they’re loyal to the death.”

  Was something wrong with the foal that was now nibbling on her sleeve? “I hope I didn’t get the little guy in trouble,” Reece said, tugging on her coat. “He just seemed friendly. I’m sure he’ll still make a great horse for you guys.” She looked at Levi, unsure about how stupid she sounded.

  He shook his head. “You think you soured my horse, do you?” His playful eyes waited for a response.

  “Your horse? Great, now I’ve ruined the future horse of the king’s son…um, I mean, Emperor’s son…even worse!”

  He laughed. “I’m teasing you, Reece! This colt is just fine; and I think he’ll be an even fiercer warrior than his father is. I merely find it interesting that he chose to approach you. He shows me daily that I have yet to earn his trust, and then in one small moment, he gives himself to you completely, and seems to include me in his overtures. I believe I should just let you have him.”

  Reece smiled wryly at him. “I might take you up on that. At least, until I go back to my home on Earth. I think it will be fun to have a little friend like this.”