Believe

by Victoria Alexander

  “Arrived?”

  “Yeah, here in the chapel. In Camelot or whatever. One minute I was minding my own business in the library, looking at your picture I might add, and the next I was whisked here, apparently through time and space and—what are you doing?”

  Galahad’s hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. His eyes gleamed.

  “Galahad?” Her stomach fluttered at the expression on his face. A look of consideration, speculation and suspicion. “Come on pal, what are you thinking?”

  “I am wondering if thou art indeed the demon I believed when first I saw you.” His words were slow and measured. “Your talk of time and space is curious and bespeaks of forces best left unknown to mortal man. How do you know my name?” His fingers tightened around the sword.

  “I didn’t realize you were that sensitive about a little thing like a name but believe me, it’s no big deal.” Who knew he’d be set off so easily? She’d better watch her step. She had no doubt he wouldn’t hesitate to cut off her head with the slightest provocation. “Merlin told me.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Merlin?”

  “You know. Long beard? Blue dress? Tap dances?”

  “Tap dances?”

  “’Tis a sure sign of a mind befuddled when a man repeats his words.” She tossed him a smug smile. “Confusion and stupidity are not the same thing.”

  He stared at her for a long, tense moment. Anxiety clenched her jaw. Oh Lord, surely they had a sense of humor in the Middle Ages? Without warning he threw back his head and laughed. A warm, booming, hearty sound that reverberated through the chapel and resounded through her blood.

  “I didn’t know anybody actually threw their head back like that when they laughed,” she said under her breath. “Must be a macho, medieval kind of thing.”

  “God’s breath, woman.” Galahad wiped a tear of laughter from his eye. “You’ve a clever wit about you, I’ll grant you that.”

  “Thanks.” At least he didn’t slap her on the back like she was one of the boys. A whack from one of those huge hands would knock her halfway across the room. But his grin was infectious and she returned it in spite of herself. “I think.”

  “So, you are acquainted with the king’s counselor?”

  “We’ve met.”

  A glitter of speculation shone in his eyes. “Are you perhaps an apprentice to the sorcerer?”

  A vision of Mickey Mouse and dancing broomsticks popped into her head. “Not exactly. Apparently, I’m here to be taught some kind of lesson.”

  “Ah, a student of the mystic arts then.”

  “No, that’s not it. It seems Mr. Wizard is ticked at how history regards all this King Arthur stuff and he’s picked me to make an example of.” Her gaze skimmed the chapel. “Not that I think this is really happening, mind you. I’m still hoping for a coma.”

  He leveled her a puzzled frown. “Coma?”

  Tessa sighed in resignation. “Never mind, Big Guy. At this point it doesn’t matter. Either I’m going to wake up or I’m stuck here until Merlin decides otherwise. He’s got a little job in mind for me. A quest, I guess.”

  “A quest?” Galahad chuckled. “A woman on a quest?”

  “Yes.” She drew the single syllable out slowly. “Do you have a problem with that?”

  “A problem? ’Tis not a problem.” He gazed down at her with condescension. “’Tis simple. Quests are not for fair ladies. ’Tis a man’s place, nay his duty, to undertake such an endeavor. A woman would but make any venture of the like more difficult, perhaps even deadly.”

  “So…I guess that means you wouldn’t consider taking a woman along on a quest?” She studied him carefully. “Any old quest?”

  He crossed his arms over his massive chest. “’Twould be foolhardy at best. Only a man with half a mind would agree to such an unwise act.”

  “Boy, are you in for a rude awakening.” What would he do when he learned of Merlin’s plans? Galahad didn’t stand a chance against the magician. Anybody who could travel through time could certainly bend the will of a mere medieval man. Even one as obviously powerful and stubborn and sexist as this one. Tessa grinned. “I think it’s time for you and I to get a couple of things straight. And since Mr. Wizard has disappeared, it’s up to me to fill you in. You see, you’re going on a quest and I’m—”

  “Now, now, no need to go into that quite yet.” Merlin’s voice sounded behind her.

  Satisfaction flooded Tessa. It was a hunch, but she would have bet Merlin didn’t want Galahad to know of his plans just yet. And she’d further suspected the wizard wasn’t far away. Her attempt to explain to the knight had exactly the result she wanted. She turned and smiled sweetly. “Merlin, old buddy, just the guy I wanted to see. Did you take care of your odds and ends?”

  Merlin quirked a brow. “Indeed. And I see you two are getting acquainted.”

  Tessa nodded toward Galahad. “He thought I was a boy.”

  The big man’s face reddened. “’Twas an honest mistake. The lady’s hair is tied like many a youth’s and her garb is most unbecoming for a female.”

  “Excuse me? I wouldn’t call it unbecoming.” She stretched her arms out wide and glanced down at her clothes. “I think this outfit looks pretty good.”

  Merlin sniffed. “Hardly.”

  “Oh, like you’re some kind of fashion plate?” Tessa leveled him a pointed glare.

  Merlin glanced at his robe. “I see nothing wrong with my attire.”

  “Come on, Merlin.” Tessa’s gaze traveled from the tip of the sorcerer’s pointed hat to his toes and back to meet his eyes. “Let’s face it, pal. Deep blue silk? Stars and planets? Pretty stereotyped I’d say. You looked better in herringbone.”

  “I do so enjoy herringbone,” Merlin murmured. “And Armani…”

  “In fact”—Tessa went in for the kill, knowing full well this had nothing to do with clothes—“I’d say what you’re wearing has no real style. I’ve seen better fashions for the well dressed wizard in children’s books. Bottom line here is that what you have on is…well…trite.”

  “Trite?” Merlin sputtered with indignation. “Trite?”

  “What was your comment about repeated words,” Tessa said under her breath to Galahad.

  “’Tis a sure sign of a mind befuddled.” Uneasiness colored Galahad’s voice and he laid a hand gently on her arm. “My lady, Tessa, I would beware your words with the wizard. He has been known to smite those who incite his rage.”

  “Thanks, but his rage isn’t the only thing incited.” The panic and fear she’d set aside returned in a wave of fury. She glared at Merlin and struggled to hold back angry, frustrated tears. “I want to go home. Now. Send me back or wake me up or whatever. I refuse to play your little game.”

  Merlin smiled. “But you do agree the playmate I’ve chosen is one you do not find unattractive.”

  “I admit it. Galahad here is a hunk.”

  “A hunk?” A pleased smile quirked Galahad’s lips. The man might not know the exact meaning of the word but he obviously got the drift. “The lady Tessa bethinks me a hunk?”

  Tessa groaned. “That’s great, Merlin. Just what he needs. Another boost to his ego.”

  Merlin’s voice was soft. “Nonetheless, you are here for him.”

  “He doesn’t want me!” Tessa glanced at Galahad who lifted a brow as if to say he certainly did. “Not like that! I know you’re interested in that. All men are interested in that.”

  “Galahad.” Merlin chuckled. “You devil you. And you’ve scarce met the lady. I must say I am impressed.”

  “She is a fair flower, my lord Wizard. Indeed, she has quite pleasing,” the knight leaned toward the magician in a confidential manner, “boobs.”

  Merlin choked back a strangled laugh. “What have you been teaching him?”

  “I don’t believe this.” Tessa buried her face in her hands. “I’m standing here in the Middle Ages with a wizard and a knight and all they can talk about is my chest!” She uncovered her
eyes and glared. “This has to be a dream, because real life is not this weird.”

  Merlin scoffed. “Of course it is.”

  She squared her shoulders. “Fine. Dream or coma or real life, count me out. I’m not going on a quest with him or anybody else.”

  “Quest?” Galahad said.

  Merlin shrugged. “You have no choice.”

  “I most certainly do.” Tessa lifted her chin. “If you won’t send me home I can choose to live happily ever after right here in,” she shuddered, “Camelot.”

  “What quest?” Galahad stared at Merlin.

  Merlin’s bushy brows arched upward. “You won’t be very happy.”

  “No, but I will have the satisfaction of throwing a monkey wrench into your plans.”

  “Tell me of this quest.” Galahad directed his words at Tessa.

  “Hah. If you think the Middle Ages are bad perhaps you’d prefer to live out your life in the dawn of time.” A nasty light twinkled in the sorcerer’s eye. “The only human being amidst the dinosaurs?”

  “Perhaps I would!”

  Galahad’s brows drew together in confusion. “Dinosaurs?”

  “You wouldn’t last two minutes,” Merlin said smugly.

  “Maybe not.” Tessa spit the words. “But they’d be a damned satisfying two minutes.”

  “Really? I’d scarcely call it satisfying. I’d call it,” Merlin cast her a wicked smile, “lunch.”

  “I’d rather be lunch for a dinosaur than a pawn for you in some real-life game of Dungeons and Dragons!” Tessa’s voice rose with anger.

  Merlin’s volume matched her own. “You don’t have a choice!”

  “Enough!” Galahad’s voice blared through the chapel, bouncing off the stone walls and vibrating deep inside her. “Cease this infernal quibbling at once!”

  Tessa addressed her words to Galahad and glared at Merlin. “Chill, Big Guy. Keep out of this.”

  Merlin stared back. “It’s none of your concern, Galahad.”

  “None of my concern?” Disbelief underlaid what Tessa could only call a bellow. “’Tis of great concern to me. My name has been bandied about without care as to my presence. You speak of a quest I know naught of. ’Tis most perplexing and annoying to be discussed by a wizard and a mere woman with no knowledge of the issue at hand.” Galahad was a huge, barely controlled mass of righteous indignation. Wow. He really was impressive. Especially angry.

  “Mere woman?” Tessa shook her head and directed her words at Merlin. “Am I going to have to put up with that? Can’t you turn him into a toad or something?”

  “I prefer not to at this juncture.” Merlin shrugged. “However, I would not rule it out in the future.”

  “He doesn’t know about the quest, does he?”

  “What quest!” Galahad roared.

  Merlin ignored him. “Not as of yet. The idea has always hovered in the back of his mind but the time was not right. And until His Majesty returns—”

  “His Majesty? You mean Arthur?” Unexpected excitement flashed through her.

  “Indeed. The king’s return is expected within a few days.” Merlin cast Galahad a benign smile. “All will be explained then, my boy.”

  “I would you explain now, my lord Wizard,” Galahad growled.

  “Trust me on this one, pal.” Tessa tried to put her arm around his shoulders but he was way too tall for her. Instead, she rested her hand on his arm. “You don’t want to know.”

  “Why, Tessa St. James, you surprise me.” Merlin clucked his tongue. “Galahad will be delighted by the news. It’s what he’s always wanted. His destiny.”

  “Yeah.” She heaved a heavy sigh. “But he never expected me to be a part of it.”

  “So, it’s agreed then.” Merlin’s words were for her alone. “You will accompany him.”

  “I guess. I don’t know why I keep fighting it.”

  Merlin’s gaze bored into hers. “You have a stubborn spirit, my dear. You have a strength you do not suspect. And there is a capacity within you for greatness. It is why you were chosen.”

  “Swell.” She smiled weakly. “So it wasn’t just because I don’t believe?”

  Merlin laughed softly. “That is but the icing on the cake. There are countless numbers who share your disbelief. But you are special.”

  “Thanks.” She glanced at Galahad. “So what’s in the works for us until the king gets home?”

  “Galahad, Lady Tessa is a visitor to Camelot from a land very far from our own—”

  “Takes years to get there,” she muttered.

  “—I should be grateful if you were to serve as her escort. Show her the castle and the kingdom.”

  Galahad swept a low bow. “I would be delighted, my lord. I should like very much to know more of the fair Tessa.”

  “I’ll bet,” she said under her breath. “It could be worse, I guess. I could be dead.”

  “That’s looking on the bright side, Tessa. You are in for a remarkable adventure, you know.” Merlin’s black eyes glowed. “One you will never forget.”

  “I doubt if I’ve ever had a real adventure.” Anticipation trickled through her. Was she actually looking forward to this?

  “Of course you are, my dear.” Merlin grinned. “And you well should be.”

  “Okay.” She threw up her hands in surrender. “What do we do first?”

  “First, I should like you to become familiar with the times and the land you now find yourself in. Acclimate yourself, as it were. Galahad will help.”

  “’Twould be my pleasure and honor.” Galahad smiled and Tessa stifled a groan at the look in his eye. Middle Ages or twenty-first century, obviously men were all alike. She had no doubt this one had a very definite quest in mind that had nothing to do with the Grail and everything to do with adventure of a far different nature. She’d have to watch him.

  “So what’s first on the tour?” She smiled up at him. His eyes really were remarkable. A woman of any era could drown in their blue depths and count herself lucky for the demise. Still, Tessa had a job to do.

  “I…” Distinct discomfort crossed Galahad’s face. He cleared his throat and tossed Merlin a helpless look. “My lord, I think…that ’twould be best…”

  “Her clothes?” Merlin nodded knowingly.

  “Damn. I forgot about that. I suppose when in Rome…” She cocked her head at Merlin. “I assume you can do something here?”

  “Certainly, my dear.” The wizard straightened the cuff of his gown. “If you are willing to trust my, what was that word, oh yes, ‘trite’ sense of fashion.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so nasty. I was just lashing out. Today hasn’t turned out the way I thought it would when I woke up this morning.”

  “Think nothing of it, my dear.” A gracious note underlaid his words. “I quite understand. Now, is there a particular color you prefer?”

  “I think the fair Tessa would be beyond compare in gold,” Galahad said with a quiet intensity. “’Twould match the flecks in her eyes, deep and velvet as a doe’s.”

  “And I thought they were just brown.” She gazed at him and realized she wouldn’t just have to watch him. She’d have to watch herself. She jerked her gaze to Merlin. “Actually, all those mustard yellows are really bad on me. They make my skin look sallow and sick. I’d prefer something dark, a jewel tone, green, red, blue, something like that.”

  “Very well.” Merlin’s figure grew faint. “Galahad, I shall leave our guest in your capable hands.” Only his black eyes lingered. A queasy sensation settled in her stomach. She’d never get used to this. “My dear, I shall see you later.” At once, even his eyes were gone.

  “Hey,” she said to absolutely no one. “What about my clothes?”

  “My lady.” Galahad nodded. “I believe that has been resolved.”

  Tessa glanced down and sighed heavily. Merlin had indeed changed her twenty-first-century attire to something more appropriate for a medieval king’s court. A gown hugged her breasts then
flowed to the floor in a wide sweep of soft fabric. Embroidered flowers and birds danced around the bodice in colorful abandon. Here and there threads of gold caught the light and winked and glittered. It was in many respects a magnificent gown.

  Except, of course, that it was a truly horrible shade of mustard yellow.

  Chapter Four

  “Okay, Big Guy.” Lady Tessa sighed. “What’s next?”

  Galahad studied her silently. Only a fool would think her a lad now. Her hair was freed from its bonds and glowed golden in the shafts of sunshine and light reflected like stars in the dark of her eyes. The gown produced by the wizard’s hand molded to the curves of her hips and the swell of her breasts like the soft leather of a fine glove. By the heavens, she was a woman to warm the bed of any man.

  Her eyes narrowed. “What are you looking at?”

  If any man could get past the stubborn thrust of her chin and the defiant gleam in her eye. Still, ’twas said the true thrill of the tigress was in the taming. “The gown becomes you, my lady.”

  “It’s really a bit much.” She raised her arm and glanced down at the dress. Abruptly, her eyes widened. “Why that son of a bi—wizard. He took my und—”

  Galahad drew his brows together. “Is something amiss?”

  “Something is definitely missing, all right. I know this is probably historically accurate and all that but I’m not used to going without any—”

  “Without what, my lady?”

  A charming blush spread up her cheeks. ’Twas the same when she’d spoken of her boobs. Galahad bit back a smile.

  “Never mind.” Her voice was curt.

  “But if I can lend my assistance—”

  “No.” She shook her head. “Thanks anyway.”

  Pity. ’Twould be an interesting game to discover what article the damsel did without that distressed her so.

  “I’ll deal with Merlin when I see him.”

  “As you wish.”

  She eyed him curiously. “This doesn’t throw you at all, does it?”

  “Throw me?”

  “Bother you? Upset you? A strange woman pops up out of nowhere, with clothes you’ve never seen before, using words you’ve never heard and you just take it all in stride. How come?”