Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Read online

  “Your Highness, I am sure you remember my daughters, Annalisa and Susanna?”

  Both women dropped their heads as they gave Levi a dramatic curtsey.

  Levi nodded. “Ladies.”

  One of the women spoke, “Your Highness, it is lovely to see you again.” She looked speculatively at Reece with eyes so mysterious that Reece became curious about who she was. The woman returned her gaze to Levi, “Forgive me if I am intruding on his privacy, but…is His Grace, the Duke of Vinsmonth, also visiting the city today?”

  Reece felt Levi’s arm tense. She quickly did the math; since Harrison’s father was the King of Vinsmonth, she assumed that would make Harrison the duke.

  “His Grace is currently in meetings with our commander, as we have just returned from Earth this morning.” Levi responded curtly.

  The young woman smiled, and bowed her head in response.

  Mr. Sterlington approached Levi, and spoke in a whisper close to Levi’s left ear. Since Reece was still holding onto Levi’s right arm, so she was able to hear every word.

  “Your Highness, I do hope I am not out of line; but I must declare, I am a bit surprised to see His Imperial Majesty’s son escorting a woman from Earth on his arm. I only ask out of concern because I believe questions will—”

  Levi backed swiftly away from the man, forcing Reece to as well. He stood rigid and tall, towering over the man. His voice was low and purposeful when he responded.

  “Mr. Sterlington, I can appreciate your concern; however, you must have forgotten that Miss Bryant is an honored guest of my family. Moreover, His Imperial Majesty holds her in the highest regard, more than any other in all of his acquaintance. I suggest you keep that in mind as you search for the proper words to apologize to Miss Bryant this instant.”

  The man appeared as though he would faint at any moment. His face was ashen gray when he looked at her. He gave an exaggerated bow to Levi and spoke, “Your Highness, I must beg your forgiv—”

  “I’m not the one who is in need of an apology, sir. Your imprudent question did not insult me.”

  The man’s cheeks flushed red, while the two women at his side stepped back, and tried to disappear into the crowd surrounding them.

  The man bowed, “Miss Bryant, please forgive my foolishness; Pemdas, is indeed honored to have you.”

  Reece didn’t know what to say or do. Fortunately, she didn’t have to do anything. Levi responded before she had the chance.

  “Now, if all of you will excuse us, it is getting late, and we must return to Pasidian soon.”

  With that, he turned and led Reece into the Silversmith shop.

  As they walked into the shop, they were greeted warmly by the owners. Reece was grateful that Levi seemed to relax as soon as he turned his back on the disagreeable man outside. They seemed to pick back up from where they left off, before Mr. Sterlington’s rude interruption. Reece didn’t ask questions, and instead turned her attention to the beautiful items on display.

  The shop carried many different items ranging from cutlery, tea and coffee services, soup tureens, candelabras, and jewelry. Reece stood in awe, not only at the beauty of the silver, but at the unique shapes and details of each item.

  When they made their way over to the jewelry displays, Levi requested to see a certain piece closer. He turned to Reece and explained the uniqueness of the thin bracelet he held in his hands. It was a slim, silver arrow, designed to wrap around one’s wrist snuggly. He explained to her that the arrow was the most sacred symbol to the Guardians.

  “The Pemdai believe that an arrow represents courage and protection.” He said as he took her hand gently and clasped the bracelet around her wrist.

  Reece gasped, her heart raced, and she couldn’t think straight. Her skin seemed to burn in response to his tender touch. She managed to think well enough to know that she could not accept such a gift. She shook her head, “Levi, I can’t accept this.” She found the courage to look at him.

  His lips curved up on one side, and his icy blue eyes stared into hers. Reece’s heart was beating so rapidly she thought she might hyperventilate. Never in her life had she reacted to any man like this. She had never found herself in a position where a man had this kind of effect on her emotions.

  “Reece, I want to give you this gift as a reminder of Pemdas, so that when you do return to Earth, you will remember the Guardians who protect you.” He brought her hand back into his, to examine the bracelet wrapped delicately around her wrist. “It suits you perfectly.” He politely added.

  She gently withdrew her hand from Levi’s so that she could examine the bracelet. “Levi, this is really beautiful; I love it. Thank you.”

  “It’s my pleasure.”

  Reece watched as Levi paid the man; the thin paper he handed him was the size and shape of a dollar bill, but with more of a foiled appearance.

  They exited the shop and were only a few feet away, when a young boy called out to Levi. He was around the age of ten or eleven, and dressed in ragged clothes.

  “Are you the Emperor’s son?” The boy asked.

  Levi stopped and gave the young boy his undivided attention. “I am.”

  The boy stared up at Levi in awe, then looked at Reece, and back to Levi, “Your wife is beautiful, sir.”

  Reece couldn’t help but giggle, and felt Levi laugh softly at her side. “This is Miss Reece Bryant; she is the Emperor’s honored guest from Earth. Forgive my lack of manners for not introducing her properly.” He leaned down and spoke softly, “However, I believe I have only put myself in an awkward position at the moment.”

  The boy laughed.

  Levi rose back up, “Young man, what is your name?”

  “Christopher Jared, sir.”

  “Tell me Christopher, do you live in the city?”

  “Yes, sir. I live with my momma and sisters. Momma works in a bakery down that street.” He said as he pointed behind Levi and Reece.

  “Ah! That is a very commendable job. I will tell you, the next time I come into town, I will make sure to visit her bakery.”

  “My momma would likely pass out if you do, sir.”

  Levi smiled, yet studied the young boy. The expression on Levi’s face made Reece wonder what it was he was contemplating.

  “Christopher, would you be willing to do a job for me?” Levi asked.

  “Yes, sir. I can do almost anything but help momma cook.”

  “Well, it appears you and I may have some things in common then, young man.” Levi laughed. “Tell me, how are you with handling horses?”

  “Sir, before my Papa died last year, I used to tend to his horse all the time.”

  “Then I believe you are qualified for the job I intend to offer you. You see, Miss Bryant and I have traveled quite a distance from where my horse is currently. Will you retrieve him for me?”

  The boys eyes widened and sparkled with excitement, “Oh sir, yes, sir!” He turned to leave, and run down the street.

  “Christopher?” Levi called and the boy stopped and turned, “You may need to know where he is.” Levi said with amusement. “He is in the private stables at Carnsworth Inn.” He pulled another foiled bill out from his coat, and handed it to the boy. “Hand this to the stableman and he will know that I have sent you for my horse, Areion.”

  The boy looked at the money Levi handed him, and swallowed hard before turning to run down the street to retrieve the horse.

  While they waited for the boy’s return, Levi pulled Reece over to a more private area.

  “Reece, I wanted to take a quick opportunity to apologize to you for Mr. Sterlington’s impudence earlier.” He looked at her somberly.

  “Levi, don’t worry about it. I wasn’t offended; I really thought the guy was kind of weird, given how everyone else had been treating you. Something didn’t seem right about him.”

  Levi laughed, “You’re a very intuitive person, Miss Bryant. Yes, the man is strange indeed. He is the official who runs this city, and he is a bizarre ma
n. Every time I am in town, word travels to him, and he will track me down so he can re-introduce his daughters to Harrison and me.”

  “Oh! That’s kind of creepy.” She added.

  “It repulses me; it’s obvious that he is trying to use his daughters to make his way into our family in order to advance his social and political agenda.”

  Reece laughed, “Ah, trying to marry them into the royal family?”

  “It sounds pretentious, I know; but that is exactly what he is trying to do, and to gain his riches in that manner.” Levi shook his head, “The woman who inquired about Harrison seems to have a bizarre obsession with him. She sends him odd correspondence, and sometimes will send him gifts.” Levi laughed, “I believe she is the only woman that Harrison seems to be frightened of.”

  Reece laughed, “So, she’s a stalker?”

  “That would be one way to look at it.”

  Just then, their attention was brought to the magnificent stallion being led by the boy down the street. Reece watched Areion, intrigued by the way he trotted so gallantly behind the young man. With his shiny black coat, large hooves, long flowing tail and main, coupled with his muscular build, Areion made the other horses in the town look scrawny in comparison.

  The boy approached, and Areion halted behind him. The boy handed the reins to Levi, “Sir, I didn’t know you rode a Guardian horse. I have never seen one up close until now. Are you really a Guardian, too?”

  “Yes, I am. That is another reason why Miss Bryant is with me. I served to protect her while she was on Earth.”

  “Wow, I hope to be a Guardian one day when I grow up.”

  Levi smiled, “As long as you remain as courageous as you have shown me that you are today, I believe that one day you will make a fine Pemdai warrior.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Thank you for retrieving my horse, I trust Areion gave you no trouble?” Levi asked, while Areion grunted in return.

  Did the horse understand that? Reece let out a laugh.

  “He was real good for me.” The boy answered.

  “Good,” Levi handed the boy three bills, “Thank you for your service today young man.”

  The boy stared at the money in his hand as if he’d just been handed a winning lottery ticket. Reece watched tears fill his eyes as he looked back up at Levi, “Sir, this is more money than I think my momma has ever made in her whole life.”

  Reece fought back the tears that were filling her eyes, as well as the desire to reach out and hug the young child.

  Levi chuckled, “Well, I’m not sure it’s that much. However, take it to your mother, and let her know that the Emperor’s family is sorry for the loss of her husband.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Now, hurry along, and go bring it straight to her. Miss Bryant and I must be getting back now.”

  “Yes, sir,” The boy turned and ran off through the buildings. Reece looked toward Levi, marveling at his benevolence. He looked back at her and offered a shy smile in return. I think I’m in love with you…she thought, while having an overwhelming desire to hug him, and tell him that he may very well be the perfect man. She opted for a less dramatic response instead, “That was so wonderful for you to do that for him and his family.” She said.

  Levi’s cheeks colored lightly, “There was no way I was going to let him go without taking an opportunity to help him. Now he and his family will be able to afford new clothes and food. It is the least I could do. The welfare of all of Pemdas’s citizens is my family’s responsibility.”

  Reece smiled and approached him at the mounting block, “Well, I think it was beautiful.” I think you’re beautiful, she thought as she smiled, and this time her eyes didn’t waiver as they stared deeply into his.

  Once they mounted the horse, they were both soon off and away, making their way out from the village, and back to the Palace before the sunset. As they rode, Reece was starting to become weary. More than once she was tempted by the cold, chilled weather to lean into Levi, and allow him to warm her. She battled with this desire, but her muscles had become so tense while trying to stay warm, that fatigue was setting in, and she was miserable trying to sit up in the saddle. With the sun setting, the temperatures were cooling drastically. Levi didn’t say much, he seemed more intent on getting them back to the Palace, where it was warm.

  “How much longer?” Reece asked through her chattering teeth.

  “Forgive me, Reece, I know it is cold. However, I am keeping Areion at a slower pace, so that the winds will not chill you further. If you are comfortable doing so, you may lean into me for warmth, and I will bring Areion to a faster speed. We are about thirty minutes from the Palace.”

  Reece contemplated for a moment, and without another thought, she leaned into his chest. He gathered the reins into his left hand, and wrapped his other arm tightly around her. Reece melted into his strong embrace, absorbing the warmth radiating from him.

  “I am sorry, I lost track of the time. I should have been more vigilant, knowing the weather is still bitterly cold.” Levi said in a low voice.

  Reece laughed softly, “Well, thankfully I’m starting to warm up, so I won’t hold it against you. I really had a great time today, Levi. Thank you, again.”

  “It was my pleasure, Reece.”

  As she relaxed further into Levi’s sturdy embrace, she looked down and touched the bracelet he purchased for her. Why does he have to be from another world? As the horse gained speed, Levi tightened his arm around her. She deeply inhaled the rich fragrance of him, closed her eyes, and realized that if she wasn’t careful—she could easily fall in love with this man.

  As she lay in bed that night, Reece struggled with the new feelings she was having for Levi. She couldn’t forget his bright eyes, and his passion while talking about his country, and the places he had taken her to. She recalled the people of the small village and their reaction to him, showing her his true character. She tossed in her bed. Ugh, Reece! Why are you doing this to yourself? He’s from another dimension!

  As sleep was beginning to overpower her, she realized she was losing the battle against her attraction to him. She had to admit the truth of what she feared the most—she was falling in love with a man who could not love her in return.

  Chapter 14

  The next morning, Reece was still in high spirits from the previous day’s outing with Levi. She walked to the windows and let out a sigh of contentment when she saw the sun again. Soon, the snow would be completely melted, and she could spend her time outdoors again.

  After Jasmeen finished applying the finishing touches to Reece’s wardrobe for the day, she left to prepare Reece a cup of tea. Reece made a few small adjustments to her hair before making her way out to the sitting room. As she walked into the room, she found a familiar figure standing in front of the fireplace.

  It was Levi, wearing a deep blue button down shirt, tucked neatly into his crisp, dark trousers. Reece had not seen him in clothes like this since the day he and Harrison brought her into Pemdas. She felt a sudden pang of anxiety overcome her. Is he here to take me back to Earth? He has to be, there’s no other reason he’d show up here dressed like this.

  Levi lips pulled up into his usual stunning smile.

  I bet that smile could cure cancer.

  “Good morning, Reece.”

  “Good morning to you, too, Levi. So, have you come to give me the good news?”

  Levi chuckled as Reece made her way over to him, “The good news?”

  “By the way you’re dressed, I’m assuming that you’re here to let me know I’m going back to Earth.”

  Levi’s brow creased, “Forgive me, Reece, but no. Samuel is still not comfortable with your return at this time.”

  Reece exhaled, strangely she was relieved. “Well then, what brings you here so early, and dressed like a stockbroker, no less.” She laughed.

  Levi half smiled, “My mother has requested that I escort you to a private breakfast with her this morning.
And you were partially right; Harrison and I are to return to Earth this morning.”

  “A private breakfast, huh?” Reece asked.

  “Yes, she wishes to converse with you without distractions in regard to your day in the city yesterday. She took a great interest when I informed her about the boy, Christopher, we met. I believe she would like to invite you on a journey back to the city with her. My mother is very involved with the impoverished areas throughout Pemdas, and she would like to ensure that the city is doing everything in its power adequately provide for its citizens.”

  Reece’s eyebrows rose, “Wow. I think it would be great to watch your mother in action.”

  Levi offered his arm, “I believe you will enjoy it. Now, if you are ready, my mother awaits you in the sunroom.”

  Reece placed her arm in his, and he led her out from the room.

  “Levi?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you think I will be going back to Earth soon?”

  “Samuel is fairly confident that within a month or so, when he is assured the Ciatron have lost all interest in your stand-in, that you should be able to return.”

  Reece’s lips twisted up in thought, “I’m not ready to go back, Levi; I mean, I’m not prepared.”

  Levi stopped walking and turned to face her, “Reece, we will still be protecting you either way.”

  “No, you don’t understand. I seem to have gotten caught up in your world here, and forgotten about the world I am from. Right now, during my semester break, I would be studying for my third year in med school. It’s going to be my hardest year, with rotations and all, and I’m not ready for it.” She trailed off.

  “Reece, I understand you are sacrificing a lot right now.”

  She looked back up at him, ignoring his response, “I have to find a way to study. I can’t forget about my responsibilities on Earth. I can’t forget who I really am, and my ‘real life’ responsibilities.”

  Levi offered his arm again and resumed their walk, “Reece, you are a very intelligent young woman, I have no doubt that when you get back, you will pick back up where you left off without any trouble.”