Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited (5 page)

“Those are the horse stables and the carriage house,” he said, as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back into him.

“I’m sure Arrow and Areion will be impressed with your choice of a home for them.”

“I’m sure they will.” He said as he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. “I should make you aware that Arrow’s training is due to commence this week; you might be surprised by how much he has grown when he returns to the palace.”

“Really? They grow that fast?”

“Guardians horses are unique in almost every quality they possess.” He brushed his lips against her cheek. “So, yes, he will be nearly full grown when you encounter him again.”

Reece sighed, “I shouldn’t be surprised; they are remarkable animals.” She exhaled in wonder as she took in more of the surrounding scenery. “These views are breathtaking.” She rested her head back against his shoulder. “I love everything about it this place.”

A low rumble in the distance announced the heavy, dark clouds that had appeared from behind the thick forest. Levi released his hold on her. “I believe my plans for an outdoor picnic must be changed,” he said humorously. He glanced out at the threatening sky that was quickly darkening due to the incoming storm. “I’ll be back in a moment. I need to retrieve some things from the carriage before the driver and footman seek shelter.”

Reece remained on the balcony, absorbing the tranquility of the cool, brisk breeze that appeared from out of nowhere. The nearly black skies flickered, followed by another rumble of thunder. A curtain of rain shimmered like glitter falling to the ground out in the distance as the storm rapidly approached their location.
So beautiful!
Reece thought, as the last of the sun’s rays disappeared behind the ominous clouds.

Reece was distracted by the sound of the horses rapidly bringing the carriage to shelter in the carriage house. A gust of ice-cold wind nearly blew her over, dropping the temperature in that moment drastically. As Reece turned to walk back into the house, a bright flash of light nearly blinded her, followed by an extremely loud crack of thunder. Reece was startled, and jumped backward. Luckily, Levi had just returned, and caught her before she stumbled to the ground.

“That was close,” Reece said in a shaky voice.

Levi put an arm around her, guiding her back into the house. “Are you okay?” he asked with humor in his voice, attempting to lighten the tension of the moment.

Reece rubbed her arms, trying to warm up. “That came out of nowhere. I can’t believe how cold it got all of a sudden.”

“Springtime storms in Pemdas are relatively unpredictable and unexpected. After the storm passes, the temperature will warm again.” He glanced at the glass doors where the rain was now pouring down. “This storm may be here for a while. Let us go downstairs; I have an area prepared in one of the sitting rooms, and will start a fire to help keep you warm.”

Levi escorted her down to the first floor, where he had spread out a blanket in the living area with four plush pillows and a basket of food. “There are muffins and a variety of fruit in the basket, if you desire. Give me a moment to retrieve some wood from the shed outside.”

Before Reece could say anything, he was out of the room. She strolled over and lowered herself onto the blanket amongst the pillows. Even though she was cold, she was completely relaxed as she watched the heavy rain pour down onto the front lawn. She curled her legs underneath herself, and crossed her arms in an effort to keep warm until Levi returned. The winds were howling and forcing the rain sideways, and the thunder was so loud that it practically shook the entire house.

As soon as she started to become concerned about Levi’s whereabouts, he walked into the room carrying an armful of wood. His dark hair was soaking wet, and so were his clothes. Reece admired him with satisfaction at how devastatingly handsome he looked.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” She sat up as Levi strode briskly across the room.

He dumped the wood in the fireplace and knelt down. “No, just try to stay warm; I’ll have your fire started in a moment,” he answered her as he arranged the logs in the fireplace.

Reece reclined against the pillows again and watched as Levi brought a silver rod to the pile of wood, instantly sparking a flame. Within seconds, a healthy fire was crackling in the fireplace, and illuminating the previously darkened room with a warm, amber glow.

Levi poked and moved the logs around in the fireplace, allowing the flames to begin consuming the wood. When finished, he placed the poker to the side, stood up, and began to unravel the wet cravat around his neck. After it was removed, he laid it out on the mantle above the fireplace, and with casual ease, he started unbuttoning his waistcoat.
Looks like this storm was a blessing in disguise,
Reece thought, as she settled comfortably into the pillows. She was greatly appreciating the rain, the storm, and him having been out in it. Levi must have noticed her watching him, as he glanced over at her and grinned while he removed his waistcoat and hung it over the top of the iron poker next to the fire to dry.

Reece’s chin dropped down and her eyes widened as Levi started removing his muslin shirt. After he casually draped his damp shirt in front of the fire, he turned and walked over to where she was. Reece remained quiet, fully appreciating the strong man in front of her. The tight-fitting, white undershirt he wore left nothing to her imagination. She saw the ridges of the hard muscles of his chest, and the tightness of his abdomen. It was obvious that Levi was well-built, but Reece was absolutely amazed witnessing such perfection with her own eyes.

When her eyes met Levi’s, smiled sympathetically. “I hope you won’t be too upset about having to dine with a poorly dressed man,” he said, as he smoothed his wet hair back and sat next to her.

Reece arched her eyebrow at him. “Poorly dressed? Not the phrase I would use.” She ran her hands along his back. “This shirt’s a little damp…” Levi glanced at her, and she used this opportunity to tease him with her eyes. “Are you sure you don’t need to take it off, too?”

Levi smirked in response. “I don’t want to make you too uncomfortable, love.”

“Believe me, I’d be far from uncomfortable,” she said playfully.

Levi laughed softly as he reached over to the basket, pulled out a plate, and placed muffins, along with different pieces of fruit on it. Once he finished arranging the food, he reclined back, and casually leaned against Reece.

He picked up a piece of fruit, which resembled the size and shape of a strawberry, and brought it to her lips. “You’ll like these.”

She accepted gladly, eager to try one of Pemdas’ native fruits. Levi watched her as she began to chew it. It may have appeared to be a strawberry, but the taste was far from that. It was the lushest piece of fruit she had ever eaten. Flavors of vanilla, sweet cream, and a tiny zest of citrus erupted in her mouth. She swallowed and licked her lips, as she indulged herself in its sweetness.

“What is that?” she asked in amazement. “That was delicious!”

Levi offered her another. “It’s a special fruit that comes from a plant that grows underwater; they’re only ripe for one month out of each year. They came into season a few days ago, and the villagers delivered them to the palace this morning.”

“You know, I could probably get sick from eating these,” she said, as she reached for another.

Levi nodded in agreement as he swallowed. “I agree. When we return to the palace, you will have to try the juice that Pasidian’s staff makes from them.”

As Reece sampled the variety of fruit that Levi offered her, she nestled in closer to his side and fully immersed herself in the cozy atmosphere of this indoor picnic. The darkened room, which was slowly being warmed by the fire Levi had built, was extremely relaxing. With the skies constantly flickering from the lightening flashing throughout them, the rain pouring down, and the comfort of being next to Levi, she was perfectly content. She instinctively brought one arm around his back, and used her other hand to caress the well-defined bicep of his seamlessly chiseled arm.

Levi glanced over at her in amusement, and she smiled brightly in response. “You’re absolutely gorgeous, you know that?” she stated confidently, as she gazed proudly into his eyes.

Levi kissed her nose. “I believe it’s a matter of perspective, but I am indeed grateful that
you
feel that way,” he said with a wink.

Reece began tracing along his arm. “This is really nice, being here with you like this in our new home. I have to say, it has me very excited to be married.”

“I feel the same way,” he said, as he offered her a piece of muffin. “That reminds me; I wanted to talk to you about our wedding ceremony, and how they are performed in Pemdas.”

Butterflies swarmed in Reece’s stomach as she tried to keep a confident expression. “It’s gonna be pretty big, isn’t it?”

Levi placed the plate of food to the side and twisted to face her. “Quite the opposite, actually,” he said with a sympathetic grin. “In Pemdas, after a man and woman decide to commit their lives to each other, there is no ceremony such as there would be on Earth. Their vows are honored simply by saying words of devotion in front of a few witnesses.”

“Sounds
so
romantic,” she teased. “So all we’d have to do is walk up in front of your parents, say a couple of words of love…and that’s it, we’re married?”

“In a way, yes. However, in Pemdas, we celebrate the couple’s union after they return from their vacation, or rather, honeymoon. It is quite a celebration, to be sure.” He reached for her hand. “So actually, we could walk in tonight and become a wedded couple.” He sighed and gazed longingly into her eyes. “And believe me, it is tempting; but that is not how I would like to see our wedding performed.” He raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed it. When his eyes once again met hers, they were piercing. “Reece, I wish to honor you and our marriage with a traditional wedding ceremony from Earth. I understand you are already sacrificing a lot simply by being required to live in Pemdas, and I want to do everything in my power to honor traditions from your culture as well.”

“Levi,” she smiled, as he tenderly rubbed the back of her hand. “I’m not sacrificing anything and I can’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be.”

“It may feel that way now, but as you already are aware, Pemdas’ culture and Earth’s culture varies widely. I will tell you that I am astounded by how well you have adjusted already. However, you will have moments where you will find yourself missing the only traditions you have ever known.” He smiled warmly at her. “This is why, in regard to our wedding, I want to give you everything that you, as a new bride, would expect to have on Earth.” He smiled wryly. “Engagement parties and all!”

Reece stared intently into Levi’s humorous eyes, “You’re the most thoughtful man I’ve ever met.” She said meaningfully, “And as tempting as it is to have a Pemdai ceremony and become your wife as soon as we get back to the palace, I think it would be wonderful to have a wedding ceremony to honor both of us. So,” she lifted her chin and gazed knowingly into his eyes, “while you’ve been considering all of this, have you thought of a date, too?”

A brilliant smile stretched across Levi’s face. “Of course,” he said proudly. “Although, all of it will depend on what is most comfortable for you. As far as time periods go, I am confident that everything can be arranged for our ceremony to take place three months from now.”

“Well, you are certainly not one for wasting time.”

“When it comes to you becoming my wife? You are correct; I most definitely will not waste any time.”

Reece laughed in disbelief. “Will we be able to plan all of this in that amount of time?”

“You will be surprised at how swiftly my mother will have everything arranged in three months. I hope you and I will be able to keep up with her.” He smiled sympathetically. “And while we are on the subject of planning, I wanted to advise you about a celebration that we have been invited to attend.”

“Celebration?”

Levi nodded. “There are numerous times throughout the year that my family vacations away from the palace for months at a time, giving my father the opportunity to go over business matters with those in leadership of the various kingdoms. As it turns out, we will be visiting the Sandari Kingdom, where my father’s closest friend, King Hamilton, reigns. My family has an estate there, which I believe you will enjoy, given its proximity to the ocean shoreline.”

“That sounds really nice. Is that where the celebration is going to be?”

“No, it will be hosted by the Hamiltons at their estate. King Hamilton has arranged a ball in order to honor the emperor and his success in recovering our men and keeping you safe from the Ciatron. This will be an interesting gathering, due to the fact that all of the kings and their families will be in attendance, not only to celebrate, but also to meet with their emperor to discuss the events that took place that day in the Council of Worlds.” Levi’s lips turned up into an admiring grin. “These kings and their families are highly anticipating making your acquaintance as well.”

Reece was doing fine up until the last part. She swallowed hard. “Um…exactly how am I supposed to prepare for something like this?”

“All you need to do is walk into the room and they will all…”

He went to kiss her, but Reece held one finger over his lips and stopped him. “Any other time I would gladly listen to you over-exaggerate how wonderful I am, but let’s get real for a minute; a ball?” She cleared her throat. “Do I need to do anything to prepare for this?”

Questions started lining up one by one in her head. She’d done pretty well in this land so far as she struggled to blend in with its culture, but wearing seventeenth-century clothes instead of t-shirts and jeans, or riding in a horse and carriage instead of driving in a car, wasn’t the same as attending an extravagant ball with royal families.

Levi pressed his lips into her fingers for a soft kiss before taking her hand into his. “You’ve already admitted to Harrison, Elizabeth, and me that you’ve taken dancing lessons; am I not correct?” He laughed softly. “So it appears to me that the only thing you would need to prepare for is already resolved.”