Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited by S. L. Morgan Page B

men than women at this gathering, and it would be quite easy for him to avoid dancing with any partners other than his sister and his mother.
    After a few dance sets with his mother, sister, and her friend Angeline, Levi spent the remainder of the evening in conversation with his father, King Hamilton, King Nathanial, and some of the other men. The night was playing out extremely well. Reece appeared to be extremely happy, and every now and then she would smile at him with a flirtatious grin. The only unfortunate part of the evening was that it wasn’t passing fast enough, or so he thought. His selfish worry about wanting Reece all to himself was rapidly replaced with concern when she reentered the ballroom with Elizabeth and Angeline.
    When they returned from what Levi believed was a trip to the ladies powder room, Reece’s face was pale and expressionless. She made eye contact with Levi, and then quickly diverted her eyes and disappeared into the crowd of women standing near the refreshment table.
    Levi dismissed himself from the group of young men he was in conversation with to find Reece. He wasn’t sure what could have happened, but her lively appearance from moments before was non-existent. As he walked through the group of women, he was approached by Isabelle Hamilton.
    “Levi.” She curtseyed and gazed up into his eyes. “I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with you this evening. Forgive my rudeness.”
    Levi acknowledged her politely while he continued to study his surroundings, looking for Reece. Given his current concern about his future wife, the last person he wanted to encounter was the woman he had formerly courted. Even though he was annoyed by the interruption, Levi had shown nothing but the proper respect for King Hamilton’s oldest daughter. “Miss Hamilton, there is no need to apologize. There are many in attendance, and I am sure you have been detained by your guests. Think nothing of it.”
    “I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of Miss Bryant; she is a lovely woman.” Isabelle looked longingly up into Levi’s eyes, forcing an awkward moment for him. “She must be remarkable in every way, to have stolen your heart.”
    Oh, give me a break! Levi thought in irritation. “I am thrilled that you have met her.” Levi said as he caught a glimpse of Reece exiting out to the balcony. “Excuse me, Miss Hamilton; there is something I must attend to,” he said, abruptly ending their conversation. He knew it was rude of him; however, he was more concerned about Reece than Isabelle Hamilton’s discomfort from his behavior.
    Levi strode briskly across the room, but was interrupted by numerous people along the way. By the time he made it to where Reece was, she had accepted a young man’s dance request. Levi discerned her discomfort and forced smile; but as the young man led her to the dance floor, she seemed as though she would cry at any moment.
    Someone must have insulted her in some way, but what could they have said? She had dealt with all of Simone, Lillian, and Catherine’s hatefulness amazingly well; and those three women were insulting and unwelcoming in every way towards her.
    “A few more dances, my man, and you will have your lovely lady all to yourself again,” Harrison announced, as he came up from behind him.
    Levi continued to study Reece’s expressionless face as she and her dance partner waited for the music to start. “Something’s not right with her, Harrison,” Levi said in a low voice.
    Harrison scanned the room and found Reece. “I think any woman would have the same expression on her face, if that young man desired to dance with them.” Harrison clapped Levi’s shoulder. “Give me a moment; I’ll go rescue her.”
    “Harrison!” Levi blurted out, but he was too late; his cousin was already on the dance floor, and about to do one of the most offensive things that could be done at one of these events.
    Levi knew Harrison well enough to know that he didn’t