Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Read online

  Jasmeen giggled again. “Don’t fret over such nonsense. You have extremely beautiful hair, and I shall enjoy being the one to style it!” She set the brush on the counter and stared at Reece in the mirror. “Blue eyes. Good.”

  Reece smiled as Jasmeen muttered to herself.

  Jasmeen turned to Reece and started applying powder across the surface of her face. She worked quickly on cheeks, eyes, and lips. As quickly as she had started, she had finished. She put her supplies away and grabbed a tiny, round rod. Great, here comes the curling iron. As Jasmeen began making tiny ringlets in her hair, Reece noticed that there was no power cord, and from what she could tell, no heat to create the curl.

  “Does that use the same energy as that brush to make the curls?”

  Jasmeen grinned as she continued focusing on her work, “Yes, it does.”

  Reece looked at her reflection in the mirror and was quite impressed with the makeover. Her complexion looked flawless; her wide eyes sparkled with a pearlescent color. Her cheekbones had more definition than Reece believed was possible. Her lips had a natural gloss upon them, enhancing their natural color and fullness. The strangest part was that she felt as if she wore no makeup at all.

  Once Jasmeen finished, she set the curling iron on the counter and smiled. “There, now you are ready to dress.”

  Most of her hair had been pulled to the top of her head, falling in small, intertwining ringlets, strewn with tiny, cream-colored roses. A few larger curls cascaded over her left shoulder.

  Reece swallowed hard, gazing into the mirror. “Um…wow. I really don’t know what to say. Thank you, Jasmeen.”

  Jasmeen laughed. “Thank you, Miss Bryant. Now, in order to complete the look, we must have you get dressed. Follow me; your closet is just over here, around this corner.”

  Reece followed her farther into the room, where another door was. As they stood at the entrance to the room, Reece gawked at its contents. “All of these clothes are for me? Are they all gowns?”

  Jasmeen laughed. “Indeed, they are.” She walked over, pulled a dress out, and turned to hand it to Reece. “Now, here is what you will wear for dinner tonight.”

  Reece reached out and took the shimmering, pale blue dress that Jasmeen had offered her. “Jasmeen, exactly what kind of dinner is this? I think you may have me completely overdone.”

  Jasmeen laughed. “When the Empress arrives, you will most likely feel underdressed.”

  Reece studied the extravagant gown, knowing that a corset would likely accompany it, and hoped that there was another option. There was no way she was about to wear this. It was too much. “Jasmeen, I’m not trying to insult you here, but you do remember what I was wearing when I first walked in the room?”

  “Miss Bryant—”

  Reece shook her head, “Please, I can’t wear this. Is there something a bit simpler? I’m not really a fancy person like that—not even on Earth.”

  Jasmine grinned, “Well, I can’t say I didn’t try. The Empress did take into consideration our differences in fashion when she had your wardrobe tailored. Give me a moment.” She took the dress from Reece’s hands, and turned to walk deeper into the closet.

  Reece sighed with relief, she really didn’t want to make the sweet girl feel bad, but there was no way Reece was going to wear that gown.

  Jasmine returned with another dress. Great, these are the options? Seventeenth Century queen, or red carpet premiere?

  Reece exhaled, “Jasmeen? I’m not sure that this is any better than the other one.”

  She scrutinized the dress. The shiny, satin-type material was a brilliant scarlet color. Reece noticed its daring neckline and the capped sleeves that were designed to hang off of the shoulders. The hopeful look in Jasmeen’s eyes, forced her to give in. “Well…I guess this will have to work.”

  Jasmeen giggled with delight, “You will look ravishing in this gown. Now, over there are your under garments, once you have them on, I will help you with the gown.”

  Reece restrained the urge to roll her eyes in response to the young maiden’s excitement.

  “Jasmeen?” She called out once she was ready.

  “Yes, Miss Bryant. I have the dress here, now raise your arms and—”

  “Jasmeen,” Reece turned and stared at the excited girl, “how did you all know my size? Please do not tell me that Levi and his cousin…what was his name?”

  “Master Harrison?”

  Reece’s eyes narrowed down at Jasmeen’s cheerful smile, “Yes, of course, Master Harrison. They didn’t go through my clothes in order to give you my measurements, did they?”

  Jasmeen stared reassuringly at Reece’s irritated expression, “Miss Bryant, they simply informed us that you are very close in shape and size to Master Levi’s younger sister, Princess Elizabeth. The Empress took this into consideration for the tailoring of your garments.”

  Reece let out a breath of relief, “That’s good to know. Now, let’s get this dress on.”

  Jasmeen helped Reece slip the dress over her head. Reece stared in shock at her reflection in the mirror. Her hand absently brushed over her stomach as she twisted to the side to view the back of the dress.

  Reece gasped in awe at the webbed pattern of what appeared to be red rubies and diamonds, which were strung throughout the open back. The satin material of the dress fell from her shoulders and drooped down to the small of her back, just below the stringed jewels. Her back felt exposed and bare; however, the jewels were so many, and webbed in such a unique pattern, that her skin was hardly visible. She was at a loss for words.

  “Miss Bryant, you look absolutely stunning.”

  “Thank you, Jasmeen.” She returned, still taking in the beauty of the gown.

  Jasmeen chuckled, “If you are intended to stay for long, I hope you will be willing to try some of the other gowns that are of our fashion?” She asked hopefully. “I believe you will look breathtaking in them.”

  Reece cocked her head, “Jasmeen, let’s just take this one day at a time, okay?”

  Jasmeen nodded and smiled, “Anything you wish, Miss Bryant. Let us complete the dress shall we?”

  Jasmeen reached around Reece’s neck and clasped a necklace. It was a brilliant red ruby, oval shaped and framed with tiny shimmering diamonds.

  Reece gently caressed the necklace. “I feel like a queen.”

  Jasmeen smiled while placing matching earrings in her ears and finished by clasping a bracelet of rubies on her wrist. “Well, you’re the guest of honor.”

  “Jasmeen, please tell me that I won’t walk out there into a room full of people and be the only one dressed like this? I mean, it’s beautiful, but it seems a little too elaborate. Are you absolutely sure this is how I should be dressed?”

  “You are dressed entirely appropriately. You will definitely feel more comfortable when the Empress arrives. Here are your shoes,” She bent down to help Reece put on the matching strappy red heels, “Let us return to the sitting room, and I shall get you a refreshing, hot cup of tea while you await the Empress’s arrival.”

  While Reece sat gently on the small sofa, sipping her tea with care, and trying not to ruin her dress, she watched a sunset such as she’d never seen. The vivid green colors of the fields changed as the sun slid below the horizon, until the sky was fully dark. They went from shining vividly with the light of the land’s peculiar sun; to glowing brightly and colorfully, with no apparent light to cause it. It was as if the landscape was lit with a black light. It was similar to what she witnessed in the dark forest, yet, with the darkness of night, everything was glowing brighter now. There had to be some light source causing this. Their moon?

  She stood up and walked over to the great windows, searching for the source of light that would create such an effect. She found nothing, only an iridescent, purple sky. She glanced down at the gardens she had walked through with Levi earlier, and noticed the many different blooms on the bushes and trees were not their normal vibrant colors anymore. Instead, it see
med as if the trees and bushes had multicolored lights strung throughout. It was a rainbow of different colors—teals, fuchsias, lavenders, and many others—that were shimmering with this unique, illuminating quality. The darker it became, the brighter the colors became. Amazing!

  “Miss Bryant, the Empress, Lady Allestaine, is here to meet you.” Jasmeen announced, and quietly made her exit.

  Reece turned to find a tall, slender woman standing at the top of the steps. The woman was exquisite in every possible manner. The gown she wore was more elaborate than Reece thought possible, but it paled in comparison to her physical beauty; which alone was put in the shade by the kindness and good humor of her expression. A tiny smile appeared on her perfect lips. This can’t be the Empress; she’s too young to be Levi’s mother. The brunette hair, the slender figure, all seemed to belong to a woman Reece’s age. But the beauty of the face—that was Levi, feminized. And the smile—that, too, was his.

  She glided down the steps to where Reece stood. She was taller than Reece, and close-up, had a few wrinkles around her brilliant, chestnut colored eyes. The dress she wore, with the exception of the front bodice and front skirt, was made of a rich, blue-green silken fabric. The front panel and bodice was lined in a dark green, velvet material, with a black and silver embroidered sparkling lace overlay. A shimmering ribbon, fashioned out of thousands of tiny diamonds and emeralds, formed a narrow band, which edged over the top of her bodice, and swept over her upper arms in three individual strands. She wore a sapphire choker, and a tiara of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. The lavish jewels made Reece’s jewelry look simple and modest.

  “I am delighted to meet you, Miss Bryant. My name is Allestaine, and I believe you have already made my son and husband’s acquaintance. I trust you were well taken care of by Jasmeen? Let us sit, we a have a few moments before we must leave.”

  Reece smiled and took her seat next to the beautiful woman. “Thank you, should I call you Lady Allestaine?”

  “You may call me whatever you like, Miss Bryant. I am accustomed to ‘Lady Allestaine’ by my closest friends and family; you are welcome refer to me as such, but only if it is comfortable for you.” She smiled.

  “Okay, and if you don’t mind, I would be more comfortable with you calling me Reece. ‘Miss Bryant’ isn’t really something I’m used to.”

  Allestaine chuckled, “Very well, then. “Now, please tell me, Reece, are you happy with the arrangements I have made for you? Things can be changed, and other rooms are available, if you are not.”

  “I couldn’t have dreamed of more fabulous accommodations! And Jasmeen has been very welcoming and helpful, thank you. She seems to be an artist; I feel like one of her creations.”

  “Jasmeen has a way of doing that; she is one of the best in the land. I am truly grateful that her work is to your liking. Tell me, Reece; was your journey to Pemdas pleasant? My husband told me of your distress.”

  “I am doing better now, thank you. Levi was able to explain more. It is all very difficult for me to try to absorb.”

  The lady laughed. “Perfectly understandable. I must apologize for being detained with my duties today; I would rather have been the one to help you with your adjustment. I would not like to envision how the men handled it.” She shivered delicately. “That is why I am here, now. I must have no doubt that you are truly comfortable.”

  The woman’s smile was heartwarming, but Reece could not help but feel intimidated in her presence. Never had she felt so beneath another person, so uncertain of her own manners.

  “Lady Allestaine, everything is more than I would dream of asking for. I’m beyond grateful for all of your concern, and all you have done.”

  “It’s the least I could do. I understand you are aware that you will be staying with us for some time?”

  “Well, I’m not sure how long, but yes, I am. The Emperor and Levi both mentioned that, until things are settled, this is where I will have to stay, for my own safety, and the safety of Pemdas.”

  “I know they are working on different ways to return you as soon as possible. Until then, we must try to make you as comfortable as may be, living among us. I am aware that the cultures of Pemdas and Earth are different. I am sure you are already starting to gather that yourself?”

  Reece laughed as she looked down at herself. “Yes, that will be something I’ll have to get used to—dressing up like this, just to eat dinner.”

  Allestaine laughed with her. “I understand the clothing fashions differ greatly here than what you are familiar with on Earth. I did not expect that you would be thrilled to wear a corset or anything of that nature so quickly. I do hope the modifications I made with the seamstress will suit you for now.”

  “Yes, I think it will work just fine. I’m a little nervous to eat dinner in a dress so nice, though.”

  Allestaine stood, preparing to leave, and Reece followed, “Follow my lead at the table, Reece, and all will be perfectly well.” The lady gave Reece a teasing wink, and then led her from the room.

  Chapter 7

  The dinner party awaited their Hostess and guest-of-honor’s arrival in a large parlor. Upon entering the lavish room, Reece sighed a breath of relief when she found that she and the Empress were not the only ones dressed for a formal affair. Her eyes were drawn to three young women, close to Reece’s age, sitting off in a group of their own. The iridescent lighting of the room shimmered off of a vast array of bright jewels adorning their extravagant dresses and beautifully arranged hair.

  Her eyes were then drawn the transformed appearances of Levi and Harrison. They were standing next to a tall window at the front of the room, conversing easily, not yet aware of the women’s entrance. Levi was a faultless picture of royalty. He wore all black, with the exception of a white shirt, silk waistcoat, and cravat. Harrison stood with his back facing them, and therefore, Reece could only assume that under his dark blue tailcoat, he was wearing the same fine attire as Levi.

  “Her Imperial Majesty, Lady Allestaine; and the guest-of-honor, Miss Reece Bryant.” The footman announced. All conversation ceased, and those who were seated immediately stood. Reece was feeling good, until the footman proclaimed their entrance. She felt a wave of anxiety come over her as all eyes fell upon her.

  Navarre smiled proudly as he made his way to them. As he approached, he gazed adoringly at his beautiful wife’s face as she stretched her hand out for his greeting.

  He reached for it and gave a short bow while he kissed the back of her hand. He rose up and smiled, “My love. You look as enchanting as ever tonight.” His eyes sparkled with his apparent love for her.

  “Thank you, my husband.” She gave a quick curtsy.

  Navarre brought his attention to Reece, “Miss Bryant, may I affirm that you also look livelier than since I last saw you. I trust you feel more refreshed?”

  “I do, thank you.” Reece smiled and bit her bottom lip wondering if she should give the man a curtsy as well. Ugh, he’s the Emperor, of course you have to. Reece quickly offered the man the best curtsy she could muster, and hoped it wasn’t noticeable that she had no idea what she was doing.

  Once Navarre gave Reece a pleasant nod of acceptance, she looked up to find everyone staring intently at her. Harrison appeared to be restraining himself from bursting into laughter, but Levi’s countenance was quite the opposite. There was no trace of humor in his face as his darkened eyes seemed to be scrutinizing her. Glad I can amuse one of them at least. She thought.

  Allestaine took Navarre’s arm, and he led both women down into the sitting area where the guests were waiting to meet Reece.

  Patiently awaiting introductions were the three young women Reece noticed when she first entered the room, and a man who appeared to be close in age to the Emperor and his wife.

  “Miss Bryant, allow me to introduce you to Samuel and his two daughters, Simone and Catherine.”

  Simone had pitch-black hair, more elaborately arranged than that of anyone else in the room. With feature
s favoring her father’s, she was as striking as she was attractive. Catherine had lighter hair, and less prominent features.

  Samuel is my chief advisor over the Pemdai Guardians. He and his family will be residing with us while we work on returning you safely home.”

  Samuel nodded. “My men and I are doing everything within our power to return you to your world. Until then, I hope that you will be comfortable here in Pemdas.”

  Reece smiled. “Thank you, Samuel.”

  Navarre acknowledged the young woman who was standing next to Harrison that she had not yet been introduced to.

  “This is my niece, and Harrison’s oldest sister, Lillian. She and Harrison are my brother Nathanial’s children. Nathanial is king of Vinsmonth, one of the largest kingdoms in Pemdas, which is nearly a five-day journey from here.”

  Reece returned Lillian’s pleasant expression with a kind smile. If not for the introduction, Reece would have never assumed this was Harrison’s sister. The only likeness she shared with her brother was her blond hair and light blue eyes. Her features were softer and more rounded than Harrison’s.

  “We need no introductions here.” Navarre added as he rested his hand on Levi’s sturdy shoulder, “However, I would like to mention in both Levi and Harrison’s presence, how proud I am of their efforts today for getting you here safely.”

  “It’s nice to see you both again.” Reece returned.

  Levi’s eyes penetrated through her as he gave her a simple nod. “Miss Bryant.” He acknowledged in a deep voice.

  She was starting to feel helpless with all of the formalities and traditions she knew nothing about, and she smiled with relief when she saw Harrison’s not-so-serious expression.

  “Miss Bryant, you appear to be feeling much better.” He grinned. “I must say, I am amazed at how well you clean up; after the events you faced earlier, this is very impressive.” He teased as he glanced down at her gown.

  Allestaine immediately interjected, “Nephew, you know how much I enjoy your wit; however, this is not the time for it.”