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

emerald stone glistened underneath the bright lights of her dressing room. It hung on a diamond string, and a slender emerald bracelet lay neatly in the middle. On the top side, two golden hoops with emerald drops dangled from the velvet material they were attached to. She reached out and brushed her fingers over the surface of the brilliant, polished stone. “Oh my goodness,” she whispered. “These are extraordinary.”
    Levi pulled the necklace from the box and clasped it around her neck. “Just another heirloom that your beauty surpasses, of course.”
    Reece let out a breath, clearly overwhelmed. “It’s absolutely stunning.” She turned to embrace him, yet he caught her hand, stopping her.
    He glanced at the white satin gloves that she held. “These gloves are the only problem I have with your wardrobe this evening—,” he started to say, as he removed the gloves from her hand and brought his lips to the inside of her wrist. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply while pressing his lips tenderly against her skin. “This fragrance…” he said, “is it new?” His eyes reopened.
    Reece managed to steady her emotions in response to the effect Levi was currently having on her. His jewel-like blue eyes were not helping as they bore into hers. “I was playing around with some of the perfumes Jasmeen made available, and I liked the smell of this one.” She brought her wrist to her nose and inhaled. “It smells like a mixture of jasmine, and some kind of sweet fruit. I was hoping the oils weren’t too strong, though.”
    “Quite the opposite; this fragrance is extremely pleasant, and now I am struggling with foregoing this evening’s extravaganza and instead take you in my arms at this very moment.”
    Reece laughed and playfully tugged at his elaborately tied cravat. “Sounds quite enticing, Levi.” She inhaled dramatically. “But I’m pretty sure if we skip out Harrison will more than likely come barging into the room and ruin everything.”
    Levi shrugged. “That is true.”
    “Now, if it helps,” Reece started pulling on her elbow-length gloves, “I will keep these on.”
    He smiled, and clasped the emerald bracelet around her wrist. One more kiss to her gloved hand, and he drew her arm up into his. “Shall we go introduce the royals to their future empress?”

T he emperor’s convoy arrived at the Hamilton’s large estate about thirty minutes after departing Stavesworth Hall. As the carriages crept up to the entrance of the estate, Levi placed a reassuring hand over Reece’s. He could sense her trepidation as the large number of people before them ascended the stairs into the manor.
    Levi leaned into her. “I’m confident that you will steal all of their hearts with your energetic personality, as you did mine.”
    Reece laughed nervously as she stared out of the window. “I’m not used to being in the spotlight like this.” She exhaled. “Cross your fingers that I don’t embarrass your entire family by foregoing some important Pemdai custom.”
    “Lucky for you, you’re with the emperor and his family; and since we make all of the customs around here, we’ll make sure you get away with it.” He winked.
    “Even if I use the wrong fork at dinner?”
    “I wouldn’t care if you licked your fingers.” He smiled wryly.
    “In that case, I’ll be sure to take my gloves off before I eat.”
    Levi and Reece laughed in unison as the carriages halted. Levi put his top hat on, adjusted it, and gave Reece a confident smile. Her eyes glistened as she studied him. “You look extremely handsome in that hat.”
    “Enjoy it while you have the opportunity.” Levi said dryly.
    Their conversation was interrupted when the carriage door was opened by a servant. Levi stepped out and dismissed the man in order to assist Reece personally. Upon descending from the carriage, he drew her arm into his. He glanced down, and the pride he felt having her at his side was indescribable.
    Together they