Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Read online

  “He seems to think so, too. You know, now that he’s bonded to you, he needs a name. Perhaps you could name him for me?”

  “Oh—I don’t know. I don’t think I could come up with one. Nothing like the names you use here.” She turned away and stroked the foal’s soft back.

  “His name will come to you,” said Levi. “Spend time with him, and I am sure something will come. It will help you pass the days here.” He offered his arm. “Come. Let us go back to the house where it’s warm.”

  Reece patted the foal’s rump. “Go on, little guy. Go and find your mama. I’ll come back tomorrow, maybe with a treat for you.” The baby horse ran off, she laid her hand on Levi’s inviting arm, and permitted herself to be helped over the stile.

  “Maybe I spoke too soon,” he said. “I think you may ruin that horse, indeed.”

  She looked up meeting his teasing eyes. “Oh? How’s that?”

  “Well, if I was him, and a beautiful woman was petting me, talking to me, and promising treats, I’d be spoiled. I’d be good for nothing but lounging around pastures all day, waiting for attention.”

  “Well, I must remember not to bring you apples, then.” She enjoyed this playful side of Levi. “Can I ask you something ridiculous?”

  “Ridiculous?” He laughed. “I’d be delighted to hear a ridiculous question after the week I’ve had. Please ask.” He held up a low-hanging branch for her, and then ducked it.

  “Well, I am curious—is this how men always escort women here? I mean, it seems old-fashioned. Is it customary at the Palace? In the village, I saw plenty of women walking with men, but not all were arm-in-arm.”

  He stopped walking and turned to her, forcing her to withdraw her hand from his arm. Suddenly, she questioned herself. It was more an awkward, than a ridiculous, question; perhaps Jasmeen would have been a better person to ask.

  Levi looked down at her with confusion in his eyes. “Does it bother you? I had not considered that it could make you uncomfortable. In your part of Earth, I know contact such as this isn’t usual among relative strangers. Forgive me for not thinking of that.”

  “It was a silly question, Levi. Of course it doesn’t make me feel awkward. I actually enjoy it. I kind of wish the men on Earth would respect women the same way.”

  His smile widened, and he offered his arm dramatically. “Well, Miss Bryant, shall we, then?”

  She looked up at him and delicately placed her arm back in his. “Mr. Oxley, I thought you’d never ask.”

  They walked together toward the house. After a few moments of walking, Levi’s deep, smooth voice broke through the silence. “I’ve heard that you have been out alone on these walks for the last few days or so? Have you been enjoying your stay here? My mother was quite worried when we left you so quickly after hearing of my sister’s accident.”

  Reece snapped out of her cheerful bliss. “I’m sorry! I didn’t even ask you how your sister was! Is she recovering well? I wish your mother hadn’t felt bad; I was only worried for you guys.”

  Levi smiled. “Elizabeth is very well, thank you. She was rather annoyed that we all traveled that far, simply because she broke her leg.”

  They were now out of the tree-covered path, and in the gardens at the back of the Palace. Reece sighed softly.

  Levi looked down at her questioningly, “Is something wrong?”

  “No, I’m fine, thanks.

  Reece stared ahead. Was there to be no respite from the “women” who should have been her friends?

  “Something’s wrong. Has something happened that I should be aware of?”

  “It’s nothing. I guess I would just rather enjoy being outdoors today.” She smiled as brightly as she could.

  Levi studied her face with a doubtful look. “You are free to do whatever you like; you are not a prisoner.” He smiled slightly. “However, the weather has cooled quite drastically, and I would be surprised if you wished to stay outdoors for much longer.”

  A familiar voice interrupted. “Levi?” Harrison called out from top of the steps at the rear doors. “Where have you been?” Harrison asked as he ran down the steps. He wore an expression of mock-sternness. “You’ve been acting strange ever since you demanded we ride home last night. It is not that I mind getting away from the watchful eyes of your parents, but you didn’t even have breakfast this morning when we returned. What’s going on?” He looked down at Reece. “Good morning, Reece. It’s easy to see that you are well.” He looked down at her dress, “I might also add, you complement the Pemdai style of dressing very well. Until now, I was sure you would order Levi and me to return to Earth and fetch your usual attire.” He winked. “Have you been enjoying your stay, without us here to entertain you?”

  Reece smiled. “I have, thanks, and don’t tempt me with the idea that you two could go back and pack up some normal clothes for me, either; I hadn’t considered that idea yet.” She laughed. “As for enjoying my stay here without you, you should know that I’ve been entertained pretty well by the lovely ‘Ladies of Pemdas.’” She chuckled to herself at her inside joke. Harrison’s eyes brightened and he grinned, but Levi’s posture became rigid. He looked at Reece with eyes from which all humor had fled.

  Harrison clapped his hand onto Levi’s stiffened shoulder. “Pretty well, eh? I might have to disagree with you, Reece. From word at the breakfast table this morning, I believe that it was you who entertained our fine ‘Ladies of Pemdas.’” He smiled admiringly.

  Levi’s expression was unreadable. Reece’s face grew hot and she swallowed hard, wondering exactly what had been said, and who had said it.

  “Well, I don’t think anyone would refer to it as entertainment but—”

  “I definitely view it as entertainment!” Said Harrison. “I’m just sorry that Levi waited until last night to have us race back to the Palace in record-breaking time. Cousin, if we had only left yesterday morning, I believe we would have arrived in time to watch Reece have quite the conversation with the lovely Simone!”

  Reece managed an uncertain smile, but Levi showed no interest in Harrison’s lighthearted joke. “I only wished we had left earlier.” He stared darkly up at the house.

  Harrison changed the subject. “But that is not the pressing issue here. What happened to you at breakfast? You rode back to the house as if you hadn’t eaten in weeks, then you vanish as we’re walking in to eat! What are you two doing out in this cold?” He shook his head. “I would have appreciated the option of joining you and Reece, instead of being left with the three bickering hens. I thought you were more compassionate, Levi.”

  “I went to find the horses,” Levi said. “With the weather coming in, and the young foals among them, we must move them from the big pasture; bring them closer to the stables. I came across Reece where the creeks divide.” Though he answered Harrison, it was obvious that his thoughts were elsewhere.

  “Quite the little wonderer, aren’t we?” Said Harrison. “That’s a substantial walk. Not that I blame you. I probably would do the same if I was forced to be around those women all day, every day.” He addressed his cousin. “I’ll send for Javian to bring the herd to closer grounds. Samuel is expecting us to report for training.”

  Levi nodded. “Very well. Let us escort Reece into the house.” He offered her his arm.

  “Let us,” Harrison agreed with a laugh, gesturing dramatically toward the door.

  “Go be trained, guys. You don’t need to walk me into the house. I’ve managed alone pretty well for the last couple of days.”

  “It’s no burden,” said Levi. “In any case, I intend to have a discussion with the women who had you in their care.”

  Reece didn’t argue, but her stomach knotted. After Simone’s accusations the previous night, she really didn’t want to risk being found with both men in tow.

  As they reached the top of the stairs, she stopped. “Levi, would it be okay if I went in alone? Please don’t ask me to explain, it’s just something that I would be more comfortable do
ing.” She raised her eyebrows and tried to smile, hoping he would not question her request. But it was Harrison who looked down at her in confusion. “Are you serious? Reece if this is about—”

  Levi cut off his cousin in a soft voice. “Certainly, Reece, if that is what you prefer. We will see you tonight at dinner.” Unsmiling, he gently removed her arm and motioned for her to enter.

  She walked back into the house alone, but her caution was wasted. She saw no sign of the young women as she made her way quickly to her rooms.

  Chapter 11

  Reece was glad she’d taken her walk early. The weather became extremely cold outside, and she spent most of the day in her sitting room; curled up before a crackling fire with a blanket, and a couple of books from the library. She lunched in her room, rather than with the young women. Her annoyance with them was subsiding, but even so, she was not in the mood to be in their presence. She wished she could pass on dinner as well, but that would be too public a slight, and might cause Levi and Harrison concern.

  The day passed pleasantly, and dinner time came too soon. When she entered the dining room, the young women had just sat down at the table. Their conversation halted as soon as she walked through the doors and took her usual seat.

  “Good evening, Reece,” Catherine managed after a few moments of tense silence.

  Reece looked at the three women sitting across the table from her, and forced a smile. “Good evening, ladies. It’s nice to see you all again,” she lied.

  Simone shot Reece a stern look. “It is, is it? With the way you have avoided us all day, and after our conversation last night, I felt we would never see you again.”

  You hoped, Reece thought. “It wasn’t that at all, Simone. After I returned to my room, I realized how tired I was.” She smiled with false sweetness. “I guess I’m not in the same shape as all of you. Trying to keep up with all your exciting adventures finally got the best of me. I spent the day relaxing, and I’m feeling much better now.” She reached for her wine glass.

  Simone arched her eyebrow. “Oh? I wasn’t aware we had pushed you beyond your limits; next time, we will keep your frailty in mind.”

  “I am happy you are feeling better and are able to join us,” Lillian said in a flat voice that gave the lie to her artificial smile.

  Reece was thankful when the doors swung open to admit Levi and Harrison.

  “Ladies!” Said Harrison, grinning. “Forgive us! We are late, and fully aware of the inconvenience we have caused. You all are beautiful, lovely, and charming this evening…and I am starved.” He relaxed into the chair at Reece’s left.

  “Ladies,” said Levi, nodding briefly, and took his seat at the head of the table. Once Levi found his seat, the staff entered bringing in the first course.

  Simone, who was seated to Levi’s left, sipped her wine delicately. She looked at Harrison, who sat directly across from her, “Harrison, must you burst loudly into every room? Perhaps if you spent less time on Earth, your manners would improve. And sit up—you look like an unruly child at the table.”

  Levi never looked up from his plate, but a tiny smile played in the corners of his mouth.

  Harrison leaned back in his chair, and rested his arm on the top of Reece’s chair. He stretched his other arm lazily on the table. “Simone, what do you know of Earth manners? You don’t show any interest in the place. You cast your judgments prematurely, and make yourself into more of a fool than I.”

  Reece stifled a smile, but thought it best to focus on her plate, as Levi was doing.

  Simone smiled widely at Harrison. “Well, you certainly didn’t learn such obnoxious habits in Pemdas. How do you expect to find a wife among the women in your land with such obnoxious behavior?” She laughed her soprano trill. “Unless, of course, you wish to go against duty and family by taking an Earthling for your wife. Your boorish manners are unlikely to attract anyone better.” With pretentious delicacy, she placed a bite of meat into her mouth.

  Harrison’s smile died. He leaned forward and addressed Simone directly. “Madam, you have forgotten yourself most profoundly. Whatever ill manners you feel I possess, I assure you, they are nothing in comparison to what you have just displayed, by crudely insulting two of your fellow guests.”

  Reece looked up, startled; she hadn’t seen this side of Harrison before. “Such behavior,” he continued, “will not find you a husband either in Pemdas, or on Earth.”

  He reached for his glass, sat back in his chair, and continued to stare at the rising red tide on Simone’s angry face. He took a sip, and seemed to revert to his usual good-humored self. “I can assure you of this, my lady; there are plenty of women in Pemdas who would grant me their hand this instant, should I ask for it. However, unlike you, I have much more important things to think about than marriage.” He waved his hand dismissively in Simone’s direction, and then applied himself to his dinner.

  Reece restrained herself from bursting into laughter, and noticed Levi was having difficulty with that as well.

  The three women, obviously annoyed, now talked of trivialities among themselves, while Levi, Harrison, and Reece ate in silence. As Reece silently studied the women while she ate her meal, a thought came to her, and she softly laughed.

  Simone gazed at her with curiosity, while Harrison turned to Reece and grinned, “Miss Bryant? Anything you care to share with us? I believe we could use a little humor tonight.”

  Reece looked up to find all three women staring at her in disgust. Levi sat back, clearly amused. He took a sip of his wine, and waited for Reece’s response.

  “Well, I’m not really sure if it’s funny or not; but I just realized that Simone was correct last night.”

  Simone’s eyes became fierce.

  “Please, enlighten us.” Harrison said.

  “You see, I didn’t agree with her when she asked me if I thought it was dull and boring without you guys around. It turns out, I was wrong.” She laughed and then smiled at Simone’s heated gaze, “You were right, Simone; having Harrison and Levi back has definitely served to make our dinner more exciting than it has been lately. Wouldn’t you agree?” Reece finished with an innocent smile.

  A sharp arch of Simone’s brow challenged Reece’s humored expression, “Reece, I am having difficulty understanding what you are trying to imply? Could it be that you are trying to find a way to embarrass me in front the gentlemen?”

  “I was speaking in jest, Simone; you know, trying to lighten the evening.” Reece smiled as she used Simone’s exact words from the previous night against her. “Actually, it’s quite a compliment, Simone; I’ve never been one to openly admit when I was wrong.”

  “Well, Miss Bryant, while you have paid Simone a compliment, you must know you have managed to deeply offend me.” Harrison teased.

  Levi let out a soft laugh. “How’s that, Harrison? I believe Reece has paid us both a fine compliment.”

  “Indeed, Levi; however, it took her until tonight to realize it was dull and boring without us around?” He shook his head. “What a pity, I’d hoped she was better impressed with us before we left.” He brought his attention to Simone’s deadly gaze, and smiled wryly. “Turns out, it was only Simone who had been longing for our return.”

  Reece bit down on her bottom lip as the horror and shock that touched Simone’s crimson red face, gave her an overwhelming desire to burst into laughter at that moment. She forced herself to study the food on her plate.

  “Harrison, do not flatter yourself.” Simone snapped.

  “I am not flattering myself, Simone. I am only seeking an apology from Reece. Unfortunately, at this time, she is more interested in her plate of food, than she is for my wounded feelings.”

  Reece lowered her head as she tried to maintain her composure. The table grew silent, and she could feel Harrison’s gaze on her, waiting for her to respond.

  She swallowed hard and cleared her throat, but remained focused on the plate before her. “Harrison, I’m sorry if I offended you in an
yway,” she gained the courage to look at him, “I think it came out wrong, I was only—”

  Harrison grinned and smoothly cut her off. “Speaking in jest? I believe that is a new word in your vernacular, Reece.”

  Reece closed her eyes, trying with all her power to keep a straight face. She didn’t know how she did it, but she opened her eyes, met Harrison’s grin, and kept her composure enough to answer, “Indeed, Harrison, it is a word I learned from Simone last evening.”

  Harrison and Levi both laughed aloud, and fortunately for Reece, Harrison couldn’t respond as they were interrupted by the staff bringing in the second course.

  The guests remained silent as they were served, but Simone could not avoid discord for long. “How was your visit to Sandari, Levi? I am curious, how is the lovely Isabelle?” She smirked and glanced toward Reece.

  The other two women’s heads snapped up, looking at Simone with apparent shock. Harrison whistled softly. Levi’s jaw tightened and his expression became dark. Simone seemed a bit startled by his reaction.

  “Isabelle? It is unclear to me why you have taken a sudden interest in the Duchess of Sandari, but I am sure she is well. She is to be married before year’s end.”

  Simone recovered, and put on a sorrowful expression like a mask. “Married? Are you certain? This is astounding, indeed. How did you take the news? You must have been devastated; I can’t even imagine. Ladies, did you hear what our Levi has just announced?”

  Lillian and Catherine appeared as shocked as their friend. Levi ignored the dramatic question. To Reece’s surprise, it was Harrison who answered. “Why the sudden concern for the Duchess? I am amazed that you care enough to inquire about her.” He looked toward Levi. “Forgive me for this, cousin.” Then he returned his gaze to Simone. “You’re implying that she broke Levi’s heart, when it was Levi who decided they should not suit—and Miss Hamilton seems to have borne up well, as she’s planning her trousseau now. No broken hearts in the tale. And if there were, they are hardly any of your business, or your concern.” He sat back in his chair, frustration and disgust apparent in his features. “I do hope you haven’t entertained Reece with your nonsensical fantasies in our absence. At least you have fulfilled your promise not to let her become lost in some village. I must commend you all for that.” He looked at the three women. “Nevertheless, I have lost my desire to sit in your presence any longer. I think I speak for Reece and Levi, when I say, I believe we are finished with your presence here, and we shall happily retire elsewhere.”