Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key (11 page)

Harrison let out a
soft laugh, while Levi’s lips tightened, stifling a laugh.

“Well, I see you
may have finally met someone who can match your quick wit!” Navarre interjected
with a laugh.

“Indeed,” Harrison
nodded in agreement, “I may have.” He then smiled mischievously at Reece,
“However, only time will tell.” He finished with a wink.

Soft laughter
filled the room; however, the only person who appeared to be un-amused with
Harrison and Reece’s banter was Simone. Her pleasing expression from moments
ago had been replaced with a scrutinizing one, directed toward Reece.

Allestaine spoke
and brought Reece’s attention back to a much more pleasant face. “One person is
absent this evening.” She smiled playfully at her husband.

Navarre laughed.
“Well, my lady, I must beg your forgiveness for my absentmindedness. Our
daughter, Elizabeth, has been away visiting friends, but she will be arriving
home within a day or two, and will be excited to make your acquaintance.”

Reece smiled. “I
look forward to meeting her, thank you.”

  Allestaine
chuckled. “As you can see, Reece, there should be plenty of female companions
to keep you occupied. I know you must have wondered earlier if my nephew and
son would be your only source of friendship here.”

Reece laughed
softly. “It is nice, thank you; and it is very nice to meet you all.” She hoped
her response was adequate.

Once the
introductions had concluded, Navarre offered his arm to Allestaine, “Let us
make our way to the dining hall, shall we?”

Allestaine turned
to Reece as she accepted her husband’s arm, “Levi will escort you, Reece.”

  “Miss Bryant?”
Levi politely requested while offering his arm.

 
“Thanks.” she responded, nerves taking the place of
her manners.
I really hope I can pull this dinner off without humiliating
myself.
She anxiously speculated what awaited them.

  The dinner party
followed Navarre and Allestaine out of the room and down a long hallway that
ended where two servants opened the double doors in front of them.

  Most of the
illumination in the dining hall came from the candelabras that were positioned
upon the long oval table, situated in the middle of the room. Chandeliers hung
from the white paneled ceiling, dimmed, to allow a more intimate atmosphere.

   As they
approached the candlelit table, she saw pewter place settings laid out in
pristine fashion on top of a beautiful scarlet table cloth.
Well, at least
it’s darker in here; hopefully no one will notice if I use the wrong fork
,
she thought as she became overwhelmed at the different utensils placed around
the table settings.

  Navarre led Lady
Allestaine to the chair placed to the right of the head of the table, and Levi
showed Reece to her place, which was situated to the right of his mother. The
guests filtered in around them. Navarre stood at the head of the table, Levi to
his left, and Harrison next to him. Samuel stood at the opposite end of the
table, with his daughters to his right, and Lillian to his left.

The dinner guests
stood behind their chairs waiting to be seated. Before they sat, Reece glanced
over at Levi, only to find that he was examining the dress she wore. In the
moment his eyes met hers, he exhaled and his expression darkened. He quickly
turned his attention to his father.

It seemed clear to
Reece that he took issue with what she was wearing.
Oh! Well, looks like the
Emperor’s son doesn’t approve of my wardrobe this evening. Perhaps I should go
and change back into my tracksuit; he didn’t seem to have a problem with that
outfit earlier.
She thought as she laughed inwardly.

  Once the Empress
was seated, all of the guests followed her example.

“Miss Bryant, I
can’t help but to notice that something seems to have amused you? Is there
anything you care to share with the rest of us?” Harrison asked.

  Of all the people
that would notice Reece laughing at her private joke. “Oh—I was just admiring
how well dressed everyone is.” She smoothly lied.

  Before Harrison
could answer her, the staff came out with a variety of foods. Reece stared in
awe as each decorated platter filled the dining table before them. Meats,
small, game-like birds, and fish were placed in orderly fashion around
different soups and breads.

 
How are we
supposed to eat all of this? No wonder they need an obscene amount of flatware,
s
he thought as the servants placed a prepared plate of food down in front
of her. Reece looked at the plate of food, then the table in amazement; she
could not imagine this small group consuming the entire meal.

A
soft laugh came from across the table. “Are you impressed with the meal, Reece,
or are you that hungry? If your appetite is as large as your eyes are right
now, we may have to order the staff back to the kitchen to bring the second
course out this instant.”

Reece lifted her
eyes from the feast before her and responded with a challenging grin. “I think
this should be enough for me, but, if not, I will let you know.”

Allestaine smoothly
cut in. “Nephew, please tell me you have not treated Reece in this manner for
the entire day. I am afraid to wonder what her true opinion of us will be.”

“Aunt, when have
you ever known me to jest? Of course, I was completely formal while introducing
Reece to Pemdas.” He winked at Reece and grinned.

“What will I do
with you, Harrison?” said Allestaine as she reached for her glass of wine.
“Although, I must say that I am grateful to both you and Levi today.” She
looked at her son, who nodded back. “Levi, I understand you helped Reece come
to a better understanding of her situation this afternoon?”

Levi looked quickly
toward Reece, who smiled. He didn’t smile back. “Thank you, Mother,” he said
unenthusiastically. “I am pleased to hear the information was well received.”

The Lady’s eyes
narrowed. “As was I, Son. I explained to Reece my concern for not being
available upon her arrival. However, with your explanations, she was not as
distressed as I had feared.”

“Your gratitude is
greatly appreciated; however, there is no need for such accolades.” He stared
somberly at his mother, “I believe we have only served as our duties have
commanded us.”

Wow! This guy
seems to be in a foul mood. Or maybe he just hates to be in the spotlight.
Reece was a little shocked by the response he had
given his mother.

“Levi, you must
learn to receive gratitude in the spirit in which it is given. I fear you will
get little thanks if this is how you receive it.”

Harrison joined in.
“My lady, I will gladly accept your appreciation for what we have done today.
It appears that I must now speak for myself, as my cousin’s modesty is sparing
me the gratitude I believe I so deserve.” He looked toward Levi, laughing. Levi
only stared back at him in response and then brought his attention back to his
meal.

  What’s his
problem? He’s acting as if he’s been abducted from his home, thrust into an
alternate reality, and forced into a monKey suit for dinner with strangers,
she thought, as she took a bite.

The food was
delicious, and Reece became so engrossed in the meal before her that she barely
noticed Levi engaging her in conversation. “Are you finding your living
quarters and arrangements comfortable, Miss Bryant?”

Of course, he
waits until I have a mouth full of food.
She hurriedly swallowed her bite and answered, “I am, thank you.”

  Levi
didn’t have a chance to respond, before Simone interrupted. “Miss Bryant, I am
not sure what is arranged for you tomorrow, but the other women and I would
love to show you around one of the towns we enjoy shopping in.” She smiled
sweetly toward Reece.

“If there are no
plans for me, I’d be happy to go with you.”

Allestaine gently
placed her delicate hand on Reece’s arm. “Reece, you are free to do whatever
you wish. Tomorrow will be a lovely opportunity for you get to know the young
ladies better.”

Reece smiled in
confirmation. The dining atmosphere remained mostly subdued after that, and
Reece was grateful. Harrison and Levi engaged in minor conversation with each
other, and every once and a while, Navarre and Samuel would interject on
subjects that the ladies didn’t seem to know much about; but they listened
intently, and offered encouraging smiles if one of the men glanced in their
direction.

Once finished,
Reece was pleasantly filled by the delicious meal. One by one, the dinner
guests finished their meals as well.

After dinner,
Navarre and Allestaine walked arm in arm, leading the group from the dining
hall and into the sitting room where she had first met Navarre. The room was
pretty much the same, except that more furniture had been added and placed
throughout. Musicians sat in the far corner of the room, playing instruments,
adding to the relaxed environment the family chose to retreat to.

They walked down
toward the large sofas, where everyone found a comfortable seat. Simone asked
Reece to join her and her friends in a more secluded seating area, which was
situated in the front corner of the room.

Allestaine and
Navarre took up seating on the large couches next to Samuel and remained in
conversation with him. Levi and Harrison made their way to the large fireplace
and remained standing, involved in their own conversation.

From where Reece
sat, she had a perfect view of the illuminated lands on the other side of the
large windows. She also had an excellent view of the rest of the occupants of
the room.

As the room filled
with separate conversations, Reece noticed Allestaine keeping a watchful eye on
her. When their gazes met, she smiled sweetly at Reece.

As her eyes
wondered throughout the room, she couldn’t help but notice Harrison and Levi,
in their own conversation. Harrison stood casually, his back to Reece and one
arm resting on the mantel. In the other hand, he held the glass of wine he had
brought with him from the dining hall.

Levi was the exact
opposite. He stood tall and straight, as if still in the odd mood he’d been in
at dinner, but the conversation with Harrison brought a tiny smile to his lips
every now and then. Then he turned a bit, and his eyes met Reece’s. She gave
him a slight, formal smile, and was pleased to see his lips turn up in a faint
smile in return.
Nice to see him in a better mood.

“Levi
has mentioned that Earth is full of big cities.” Simone spoke, pulling Reece’s
gaze away from Levi’s.

“That’s true.”
Reece answered.

“And there’s
something about the colors?” Simone continued.

“The colors? Oh,
well, yeah, the colors—let me tell you, the nights at home are nothing like
this! This is so beautiful!”

Simone smiled
charmingly, “Indeed! The beauty of Pemdas is profound. Levi and Harrison have
also told us that there is no other dimension out there that displays such
beauty—night or day.”

I bet they have,
Reece thought before responding,
“Well, I can’t tell you about other dimensions, but in comparison to Earth,
Levi and Harrison are correct in saying that it is much more beautiful here.”

Reece smiled
faintly in return to Simone’s proud grin before her interest was drawn to the
glowing scenery outside the windows. Reece was starting to develop a mild
irritation with the woman. It was in the way she held herself, along with the
arrogance of her tone while speaking to Reece. Her negative opinion of the
woman was quickly replaced while staring out the window.
Well, I guess the
woman does have every right to be proud of living in this place. I really
shouldn’t fault her for it.
She became so involved in the electric blues,
and vivid pinks and reds, that she was startled when Simone addressed her
again. “Miss Bryant, how do you pass the evenings on Earth?”

“Well, if my
friends and I are not studying, we’ll watch television or something.”

“Watch television?
Is it entertaining?” Lillian asked.

“It is. Although, I
suppose that would depend on what you would classify as ‘entertaining’.
Sometimes, I see it as a waste of time and would rather read a book or get out of
the house.”

“I enjoy the
entertainment of having fine conversations with my closest friends.” Simone
replied. “Hopefully you will in time, too.”

Reece laughed in
return as the three women went on talking about people and things she didn’t
know. As it became obvious the young woman were now intentionally ignoring her,
Reece returned her attention to the windows.

“Miss Bryant.” The
deep voice startled her, and the young women immediately silenced, seemingly
stunned by the interruption.

Levi and Harrison
had made their way to where the young women sat. “I’m curious,” Levi continued.
“Is there something special that you see in the gardens? I notice that most of
your attention has been directed toward them.”