Free Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited by S. L. Morgan

balcony. Elizabeth wore an apologetic expression, while Levi seemed utterly annoyed by the blatant intrusion. “Good evening, Reece,” she said, smiling.
    Harrison spun around and propped his elbows up on the banister behind him. He crossed one leg over the other, and stared down at Reece in reproach. “Is there any particular reason you and Levi over there have chosen to avoid sweet Lizzy and me tonight?”
    “Harrison, calm down,” Levi interjected while bringing out two plush chairs for Elizabeth and Harrison to join them.
    Reece shrugged. “Sorry; the view from the room must have gotten the best of my manners.”
    “I’ll say.” Harrison nodded toward Levi. “You both should know that I intend to keep all rumors at rest while we are here for the week.” He teased.
    Levi sat next to Reece and put his arm around her. “I’m fairly confident that you will be the one who, as usual, is the topic of discussion throughout the week’s festivities.”
    “Those days are over, my friend,” Harrison said smugly. “I’m certain the uproar at these particular festivities shall be caused by the fact that you are engaged to be married.”
    “Regardless of what is said,” Elizabeth interjected, “I’m thrilled that Reece will be meeting some of our closest friends, and I’m confident they will all adore her,” she finished with a reassuring smile.
    “Confident or not, sweet one, this shall be Reece and Levi’s first experience amongst royals as a couple.”
    Reece stared at Harrison with confusion. “Is it really going to be that bad?” she asked, feeling a little intimidated.
    “Harrison is simply searching for conversation now that he’s realized he’s ruined our time alone.”
    “Mark my words; these young women will sing praises to your face, and as soon as your back has turned, their words will turn into venom.”
    “Harrison!” Levi interjected. “Are you aiming to make Reece uncomfortable at her first ball?”
    “I’m fine,” Reece retorted. She lifted her chin. “I think if I can handle Simone single-handedly trying to get me killed, then I can handle a group of gossiping women.”
    Elizabeth giggled as Harrison grinned and ran a hand through his dark blonde hair. “And now that you are prepared, let the festivities begin!” he said with a laugh.
    The next evening, Reece was dressed impeccably for the Hamilton’s ball. She, Levi, Harrison, and Elizabeth spent most of the day exploring the shorelines and caves that surrounded the Oxley’s ocean-front estate. The day passed quickly, and Reece didn’t want to admit it, but she was nervous about the Hamilton’s ball.
    One last glance in the mirror should have given her enough confidence to formally step out as Levi’s future wife, but she struggled to remove the nervous emotions. Her emerald-green gown was exquisite in every way. Tiny white diamonds sparkled throughout the velvet material. It was the first gown Reece had worn that required four full underskirts, and it was somewhat uncomfortable. How am I supposed to get around in this dress? she thought nervously. She lowered her eyes, pressed down on the voluminous skirt and tried to imagine how she would fit in the carriage.
    “You, my love, are unquestionably enchanting,” Levi announced, as he entered Reece’s dressing room.
    Reece spun around. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise!” she said with a laugh.
    “Jasmeen informed me that you were dressed and waiting for her to retrieve your jewelry for the evening.”
    Levi was perfectly polished, wearing all black aside from his green velvet waistcoat and silk cravat. He stepped toward her and slowly spun her around to face the tall mirror before her. “Something’s missing.”
    Reece watched him speculatively. “I have to argue with you on that.” She fanned her hands over her gown. “You see, this dress has four skirts, and—”
    She nearly choked on her words when Levi held an open rectangular box in front of her. A large