The Duke's Curse (Legend Book 2)

by Kylie Stewart

  I narrowed my eyes. “How?”

  Morgan shook her head sadly. “Your little friend Elaine has a big mouth. Have you ever wondered where she goes on all of her dates?”

  My heart dropped like lead into my stomach. The overwhelming sensation of shock crept up my body and spread throughout my limbs.

  Morgan’s lips turned into a frown. “Lancer, steady her.”

  “What? Why would Elaine ... She wouldn’t do that to me.” I wanted to scream.

  “She doesn’t mean to ... but he is using her. So be aware.”

  Magic.

  A spell.

  It had to be.

  No way would Elaine betray me under her own free will!

  Swallowing was hard. I wanted to throw up. My best friend was caught by the most dangerous man to both Avalon and myself.

  “When can I come and meet with him about commissions?” For some unknown reason, my head clicked into survival mode. I couldn’t think about Elaine or even my own fate. Avalon needed me to pull through. I had to remember the main objective.

  “Alexandria ...” Lancer leaned over and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

  “No.” I looked at him. “No, I have to keep my promise to Avalon.”

  “And I am glad that you feel that way.” Morgan shot me a grateful smile. “I can arrange a meeting that will be to both of our benefits this Thursday. That gives you a couple of days to plan what to do once you have the sword in your possession.”

  “You think it’s just going to be that easy?” I heard Lancer snarl.

  Morgan squared her shoulders. “I didn’t want to entrap my own flesh and blood, but I had no choice. I will do whatever I can to right my wrong. I want to reverse this curse. Unlike you, Sir Lancelot, I do not die and become reborn without any recollection of my past lives.” Her onyx eyes glittered with tears. “I live with my sins every day, and I have to wait on those like you to accept their fates. I will not betray Alexandria in this. She has the chance to right all of our wrongs.”

  She sat back, wiping at her eyes carefully as to not smudge the liner.

  “Thursday it is then.” I could say no more. I was ensnared now. The bonds of my past life were proving to be stronger than the ones of my current one. I watched as Morgan attempted to keep her composure. I could tell it pained her to know she was the reason her brother was suffering. Something about her pain touched my heart.

  I reached across the table and took the woman’s hand.

  “I vow I will make sure Avalon is made whole.” Her fingers squeezed mine. “So help me God.”

  Sixteen

  Vivian

  A light rain drummed against the windowpane as I waited outside Avalon’s room for Alexandria and Lancer to return. The man sleeping in the bed had not yet come to. Merlin was checking on him every now and then. Every time, the lithe man would shake his head, and I would go back to chewing on my nails.

  I didn’t know how to get ahead of this. With Avalon completely enshrouded in darkness, I couldn’t see either outcome. I wasn’t a fortuneteller per se, but I had a tendency to better produce a favorable outcome when I could see clearly.

  “Anything?” I went to Merlin as soon as he reappeared from the bedroom chamber.

  “Not yet. He moans in his sleep and sometimes breaks out into a sweat.” Merlin sighed and slumped in a chair. “I do not know how to fight this battle, Vivian. The one he fights against is ...” His voice trailed off as his fingers took the spectacles from his face. He exhaled in defeat, rubbing his eyes.

  “The battle he fights isn’t one from your domain but of mine.” I couldn’t help the edge to my voice. So much of this could have been avoided had Merlin never been involved with Avalon, or better yet—with Arthur Pendragon.

  “Please do not put this on me.” Sea green eyes met mine. I did my best to stop my heart rate from accelerating.

  Damn him.

  “I am not putting anything on you.” I crossed my arms, breaking the stare.

  “You always do. You blame me for what happened to him, as well as what happened to us.” Cool fingers pressed against my shoulders, curling around until his touch seared heat.

  “Merlin, stop ...” My eyelids fluttered closed under ancient hands.

  “And what if I said no?”

  That arrogant voice sent a shiver straight up my spine.

  “I would have to deflect you.” I turned in his grip. “With pain.”

  A twisted smirk curled his face from solemn butler to the mischievous Magician I knew.

  “I enjoy pain, Viv, don’t you remember?”

  My eyes widened at his boldness, and before I could open my mouth to respond, I heard footsteps around the corner.

  Pushing his hands off me, though my mortal body begged for more, I collected myself. When Lancer and Alexandria came into view, I swore I heard Merlin chuckle. My cheeks felt flushed with heat.

  I ignored the demon next to me and pushed my aura toward him. He hissed under his breath at the cleansing energy. With a giggle of my own, I smiled at Alexandria.

  The ashen look on her face made quick work of any optimism. Lancer’s face was tense; his eyes strained as he gave me a desperate look for help. I went to her.

  “Alexandria, what is it? How did the meeting with Morgan go?”

  Her blue eyes tore into mine, and I heard her silent resolve. It eased my mind but only a little.

  “I go Thursday. Has Avalon woken up?”

  Shaking my head, I gave a sad smile. “No, I’m sorry.”

  “May I see him?” She expected to be denied and have to argue her way in like last time.

  I turned to Merlin, and he bowed slightly to her, opening the door. She entered swiftly and left us with Lancer.

  He strode over to both of us, his fists by his sides, jaw clenching.

  “I swear, if anything happens to her when she goes to G.R.A.I.L., I will have Avalon’s head.”

  I placed a hand on the man’s arm.

  “No, Lancelot, you will not. For nothing shall happen, and we will not fail.”

  If only I believed what I was saying.

  God give me strength.

  Seventeen

  Avalon

  I swam through a black abyss searching for the surface. I had no concept of time or how long I was under. All I kept seeing on replay were those hellacious moments in my life I’d rather forget. My soul screamed for clarity. My body ached with phantom pain. My mind shattered into a thousand pieces until all that remained was the shell of the man I once was.

  If I could have cried, I would have sobbed. If I could have called for help, I would have exhausted my lungs. There was nothing. There was no one.

  I felt exposed, naked, and utterly and completely useless. My memories burned my eyes and seared their foul imprints onto the forefront of my skull.

  I longed to see light again. I dreamed of Alexandria’s face before me and not in the hideous flashes of the past. I begged God to have mercy and send me back to the realm of the living.

  Nothing worked.

  Then out of nothing came something. Something I couldn’t place.

  I could hear.

  The sounds were muffled, but I could hear voices.

  I felt a cool pressure on my skin and relished the change in temperature. I thought I had died and gone to hell. The cool reprieve left, and I whimpered, desperate not to let this small ounce of hope leave me.

  It returned. I felt wetness, and my mind registered the cloth sweeping around my face, neck, and chest.

  The muffled voices became clearer, and soon, I realized it was just one voice. Her voice. She sounded like she was above the water, and I was just below. I would follow her.

  Digging down as deep as I could to find strength, I battled against the chains that held me prisoner.

  Alexandria ...

  I want to see you.

  Don’t stop talking. I need you to guide me back. Bring me home.

  A new dampness trickled down my face, crawl
ing over my skin.

  Tears.

  A guttural sound vibrated in my chest and rose for my own ears to hear. The darkness was starting to recede. My eyes darted around behind closed lids, desperate to break open.

  “Shhh, Avalon. It’s all right.”

  My heart skipped. I heard her.

  No. It’s not all right. I can’t see you!

  I writhed on the bed, twisting the sheets under me.

  “Avalon, I’m here. I’m right here.” The damp cloth brushed over my forehead again.

  Alexandria ...

  A flood of white light engulfed my vision. I blinked rapidly, trying to focus. My eyes watered and burned under such violent rays. Then I saw what I had been begging for.

  Alexandria’s face fell into an expression of complete relief. She was sitting on the edge of my bed. One hand held mine, and the other held a cloth. The sunshine streaming in through the open window set the red highlights in her mahogany hair aflame. She looked exhausted as if she’d been up all night.

  As weak as I felt, I slipped my hand from hers and reached up to touch a strand of hair. She offered a small smile as my fingers grazed over her cheekbone. There was so much I wanted to say to her. Instead, we shared a silent conversation.

  I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to wake up.

  I thought I lost you.

  You can’t lose me.

  Piercing blue eyes filled with tears.

  I can’t lose you.

  I winced as I pushed myself to a sitting position.

  “Don’t force yourself, Avalon.” She sniffed, trying to stay in control of the situation.

  “How long was I under?” My throat was raw, and speaking was painful. Had I screamed in my sleep?

  “Two days.” Her voice shook. “It’s Wednesday now.”

  “Christ ...” I ran a hand through my hair. “What’s happened since then?”

  “I’m going to G.R.A.I.L. tomorrow to meet with Sir Thomas. Morgan is going to help me get the sword.”

  My heart lurched. Without thinking, panic surged through me, and I gripped her arms.

  “No, I refuse to allow you to walk into that snake’s hole. Say you won’t. Promise me you won’t.” Alexandria looked away, giving me my answer. I shook her gently. “Promise me you won’t go, Alexandria.”

  “I have to!”

  Her outburst caused me to visibly flinch. She took both my hands in hers and shook her head.

  “I refuse to see you suffer like this any longer. I will go tomorrow, and I will not fail.” The look in her eyes drove me mad.

  Passion. Raw, unadulterated passion.

  And it was for me.

  I opened my mouth to speak, but she pressed her fingertips against my lips. The scent of her skin woke the sleeping fire within me. I grabbed her wrist and yanked her forward, starving to see those hypnotizing eyes on me—just me.

  “And I refuse to allow you to walk into a death trap.”

  Her legs straddled over mine hidden under the sheets. She was on her hands and knees, hovering so close that if I pulled her down, we’d be flush. I carded hands through her hair, pleading with her.

  “Avalon, you must trust me. I can do this. I can save us.” Alexandria’s face was flush, lips parted. I could feel her hidden desire seep into the open air between us. I would take small victories where I could get them.

  “I’m terrified to let you go.”

  There. She now had my truth.

  I let out an exasperated sigh, leaning my head back against the pillow.

  Alexandria didn’t say anything. At first, she just stared at me. Her next words rocked my core.

  “I wish you could come to me in my dreams ... I’d calm your fears.” Her blue pools hooded with lust.

  The spark ignited low in my heart. She was bringing me back to life.

  “Oh?” I traced her lips. “Do you want me, Ms. York? At least, in your dreams?” I took her chin firmly in my hand, and I pulled her toward me until our noses brushed. “Say it ...”

  The apprehension on her face was clear, but the wanting in her eyes couldn’t lie. Not to me. The beast within me raised his weary head.

  “I want my Dragon back.”

  My eyes went wide. So much was conveyed in that five-word phrase. She admitted so much by saying that.

  She wanted me.

  She wanted me and all of my flaws.

  She wanted my fire and my rage.

  She called me hers.

  Before I could say anything in return, someone cleared their throat from the doorway of my room. We both turned and looked, afraid of whom it might be. I smiled.

  “M ... come on in.” I released Alexandria, and she scrambled off the bed. She tried in vain to comb her hair with her fingers, but the blush on her cheeks gave her away.

  M didn’t judge. “It is so good to see you awake, sir.” He stepped closer to my bed.

  “How are things? Alexandria tells me she will be going to G.R.A.I.L. tomorrow for part one of our quest.” My brows furrowed. “Does she have a cover?”

  “Of course, sir. I shall be driving her there myself, and Sir Lancer Rivers has agreed to wait in the car. Morgan will let him know via text or call should anything go amiss.”

  I took a moment to digest this information. I tossed a glance in Alexandria’s direction, and I watched as her posture stiffened.

  “Are you sure you are up for this?” I pleaded one last time.

  She refused to crumble. “Like it or not, I am going, Avalon.”

  Huffing, I waved M on. “All right then. It is settled. Tomorrow is a day for the books, my friend.”

  “Of course.” M nodded to both of us before leaving again.

  The afternoon sun was high in the sky, and I studied the landscape from where I sat. I didn’t know what I could say to Alexandria. She was set to do this. I spoke with metal on my tongue.

  “I will never forgive you if you let anything happen to yourself.”

  She replied defiantly, “There will be nothing to forgive.”

  I huffed and settled back against the oak headboard. My stomach knotted as I stole another glance at her. Something told me she wouldn’t fail me. Not this time.

  Eighteen

  Alexandria

  I only had about fifteen minutes left before we pulled up in front of G.R.A.I.L.’s exuberant skyscraper in central London that Thursday. I played with my hands, wringing them as I tried to steady my thundering heart. Lancer sat next to me, his face set in a hard, emotionless expression. I knew that was a lie. He was just as nervous as I was.

  This morning, I practically had to escape Caliburn Estate. Now, back on his feet, Avalon hovered over me, demanding promises to flee should I come into any harm. He had also given explicit instructions to M and Lancer on how to conduct my arrival and departure.

  “Don’t allow yourself to be backed into any corners. Always have your eyes on an exit.” Avalon paced in front of me. He was wearing slate gray pants and a black button up. His long hair was falling into his eyes, and he kept trying to run his fingers through it while complaining about needing a haircut.

  “I know, Avalon. I’m not stupid.” I stood at the base of the grand staircase. He circled me, biting the skin on his thumb and mulling over his thoughts.

  “Yes but things happen, Alexandria.” He halted, his stormy gaze once again alive with electricity. I wouldn’t deny that we’d had a close call yesterday. My mouth had completely run away with me.

  Calling him my Dragon.

  Telling him I wanted him but only in my dreams.

  Stepping over to him, I placed both hands on his broad chest. His heart was galloping about as fast as mine was. He was afraid.

  “Nothing is going to happen to me. I promised. Don’t work yourself up while you wait. Go for a ride, read, do something. Just don’t fret over me.” I did my best to ease his mind, but the way he worked his lower lip proved otherwise.

  “We are going to be late if we don’t leave now.” Lancer
was waiting impatiently at the door. I turned from Avalon, but his hand caught mine.

  I waited as his mouth moved but no words came out. The tension knitted his brow, and his jaw worked over and over.

  “I’ll be fine.” I lifted my hand to caress his face. The storms calmed, and he closed his eyes for just a moment. I was acutely aware that we had an audience, but this was probably the hardest thing Avalon had ever faced. I was volunteering to go into the lion’s den.

  I could die.

  Stomaching that fear, I gave a quick smile once more and stepped back.

  “Wait ...” Avalon pulled something from his back pocket. “It’s clean and sharpened. Use it wisely.” He placed Pridwin into my hands.

  I was left speechless. I had wondered what had happened to my grandmother’s dagger.

  “Thank you, Avalon.”

  “No, thank you, Alexandria.” He forced a tight smile for my sake. “Now go. I shall see you when you get back.”

  I walked to Lancer; Avalon watched me every second from the first step of the stairs. A panic had rushed through my blood.

  What if I never saw him again?

  What if I failed?

  He wore a calm on his face I had never seen before. His eyes were still, cloudy, but no storm. I’d hold onto that face.

  Those lips.

  That stubborn jaw.

  It’s what I had to get back to.

  “Alexandria, we’re almost there.” Lancer broke me from my thoughts and back to reality. I contemplated saying something but held my tongue.

  “May I ask one question?” His voice was thick and full of emotion. I knew it. He was nervous.

  “Of course.” Waiting, I steadied my breathing.

  “Do you still have feelings for me?”

  My head snapped up, and my eyes fixated onto his forest green orbs.

  “Of course, I do, Lancer. Whatever makes you think that I don’t?” I studied his face. Was he about to break?

  “I know we’ve both acted a bit rash. And I know I said some harsh things concerning you and Avalon, but ...” His fists balled on his legs. “I just have this feeling you love him.”