Resurrection: A Historical Adventure Romance Novel (Legend Book 3) Read online

  John glared at Merlin. “Why don’t you tell him?”

  “M, you said that you did come up with a few ways to free Alexandria, but they were undesirable.” I pleaded with Merlin to tell me. “What are they?”

  “Merlin …” Vivian looked afraid to hear the answer.

  The ancient magician nodded, taking his spectacles off his face so he could look me in the eye. “In order to be free, Ms. York’s memory must be wiped clean.”

  The world stopped spinning for a moment, and my heart plummeted to my feet. Bile rose to my mouth, and I had to force it down. Undesirable was an understatement. This was the worst outcome.

  “How much of her memories?” The words tasted like acid on my tongue.

  “All of them, sir, like Christine. She would go back to her life before you.” Merlin frowned. “She wouldn’t remember you, but of course, you would remember her.”

  Desperation shot through me like a rocket.

  “How could you do this to me?” I screamed at him. I stormed over to him, took him by the shoulders, and shook him. “Why have you done this? I could have her with me right now; I could have kept her by my side!”

  “I couldn’t take any chances with this time! Don’t you understand, Avalon? This is your last chance! If you lose this time, we are all done for.” Merlin’s unexpected outburst and the force of his words startled me.

  “There is a chance Ms. York could come back around due to the unbreakable bond you two have forged through Sinfonia.” Merlin pulled out of my grip, straightening his vest. “Unless Father John has any other ideas, that is the only possibility I foresee.”

  In order to save Alexandria, I had to lose her. So that she might forgive me, she had to forget me. There was a slight chance she would come back to me. There was a better chance she would go back to Lancer. I would lose her, my future, our future.

  With strength I had forgotten I possessed, I straightened myself up and turned to face the three before me.

  Drawing in a deep breath, I spoke. “Allow me to try to reason with Alexandria. If that does not work, or if the contract becomes too damning to her soul …” I clenched my fists. I resolved myself to trust the man who entrusted me. “I will have her memories of me eradicated.”

  THREE

  Alexandria

  I had only been home for a few days, and I already found myself pining for Caliburn Estate. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed the people as well, including Avalon, no matter how horrible he was to me. I stared into the bottom of my cereal bowl, searching for answers I knew I wouldn’t get.

  I pushed the bowl forward on the table and sat back in my chair. Elaine came bouncing into the kitchen dressed in a pale green sundress. I assumed she was going on another date.

  A date with my mortal enemy.

  I eyed her sunny disposition and took a sip of tea.

  She sashayed through the room, flashing me a wide smile. “I’ll be home later this evening. Don’t worry. Should I stay anywhere, I’ll text you.” With a giggle, she opened the fridge and pulled out a protein shake.

  I tried to act as if everything were normal.

  “Who’s the lucky guy you keep disappearing on me with?” I asked cautiously.

  She gave me a look. “Says the woman who runs the tabloids as the next Duchess of Avalon.” With a huff, she flopped herself down next to me on the second chair. “Promise you won’t judge me?”

  I set my mug down. “Of course!” I forced a smile. “Who is he?”

  Elaine tried to play it cool and failed miserably. Her serious face turned red, and laughter erupted from her lips. “It’s Sir Thomas Mordred! Can you believe it?” She covered her face with her hands. “He and I have been seeing each other since your art show.”

  I didn’t have to feign my surprise.

  “Oh! Well, this is news.” I took a swig of tea to ease the bile in my throat. I plastered a look of approval on my face. “Have you two, you know?”

  Elaine made a noise and reached over to shove my knee playfully. Her glow all but gave her away, and my hope sank. He had her under his spell. Elaine had already thought Mordred was dreamy before she met him. Now he was courting her—to get to me. It made me ill.

  “I hope you are using protection.” I gave her a friendly warning.

  “We are. He is so wonderful. The best I’ve ever had!” She gushed. “He’s into tying me up and massaging me with oils. Ugh … you have to have Lancer do it to you.”

  My body tensed when she mentioned Lancer laying claim to my body by tying me up and using essential oils. It didn’t tense in the way it used to. My heart didn’t skip a beat like it once had.

  “How are the two of you?” Elaine switched the topic of conversation I least wanted to discuss.

  “I haven’t spoken to him in a few days.”

  “Oh …” Elaine let the notion fade. “Well, I have to go! I’ll text you! Don’t forget to get the mail!” In a rush, she swiped her clutch from the counter and bolted for the front door.

  “Be safe!” I called. I had never said something with such meaning behind it. With a groan, I leaned my head back.

  I thought back to what Elaine had said about being tied up. My body shuddered at the thought of my best friend being used by Mordred. From now on, I would have to monitor what we spoke about.

  Gray steel flashed through my memory, causing me to gasp.

  The empty hollow in my core ached once more.

  Ever since I had left Caliburn, it reminded me that I was indeed alone.

  I couldn’t run to Avalon.

  I couldn’t trust him.

  Lancer was busy in meetings and presenting whatever he did to his clients and backers.

  Elaine was bedding my enemy.

  The hollow in my soul gnawed at my stomach. I did my best to ignore it and wandered to the mail drop box. Flipping up the lid, I pulled out a stack of bills and other envelopes. One managed to fall from the stack and fluttered to the ground.

  I picked it up and dropped it again.

  My heart thundered in my ears.

  My breathing hitched.

  It was an invitation.

  The envelope beckoned. I picked it up and held the luxurious stationery in my hands. After just losing myself to thoughts, I absently reached up to finger the bands around my neck. He still surrounded me even miles away.

  My finger slipped under the lip, and I slid the top open and pulled out an elegant invitation. The parchment was ivory with light blue and silver wording.

  The Duke of Avalon humbly invites you to his gala on the 22nd of September to celebrate the unveiling of Ms. Alexandria York’s latest creation. The guest of honor shall be in attendance.

  Please RSVP as soon as possible

  The Duke of Avalon

  A.P.

  So he just expected me to show up? My vision narrowed. How dare he assume I wanted to ever set foot in that place again.

  But you do.

  I ignored the truth and gave an exasperated sigh. I flipped over the invitation, my throat tightening.

  It was his handwriting.

  Alexandria,

  I know we have been through so much. I do not deserve your company, but allow me to honor you one last time. This shall be my final request.

  Please consider.

  I

  Yours,

  Arthur

  He had signed his true name. Why had he crossed out the I?

  My heart lurched.

  He wanted to write I love you.

  I fought tears, clutching the note to my chest.

  Tears of anger and tears of loss.

  With newfound resolve, I nodded to myself.

  I would do this final thing, and then we would be over.

  A week later, I pulled up to Caliburn Estate for what I vowed would be the final time. The lights burned in every window, welcoming the multitude of English lords, ladies, and upper class. I pulled the visor down and flipped the mirror open.

  Scrutinizing myself,
I breathed in and out, trying to steady my galloping heart.

  I was wearing an elegant black dress that clung to my curves. It flowed to the floor, covering my three-inch heels. The dress was rather daring. The neckline was a scoop while the back dipped all the way to my lower back. Elbow-length black gloves covered my hands and forearms. I wore the damn diamond bracelet.

  Half for spite and half for myself, I had selected the ruby and diamond set Avalon had given me. They glittered around my neck and hung from my ears. I went to a professional salon to tame my wild hair.

  My long tresses were completely swept up, and a glittering band added a touch of class to the work of art. I would never understand those great with hair. I had a hard enough time getting my locks into a ponytail.

  I applied a final layer of red lipstick and kissed a tissue to rid myself of the excess.

  “You can do this,” I said, speaking to my reflection in the rearview mirror.

  I stepped into the role I had played so well at the beginning of this year. I didn’t walk awkwardly to the door; I sauntered.

  Avalon had instilled a confidence in me that even I had to appreciate. I felt beautiful because of him. I felt powerful because of whom I was supposedly destined to be.

  This was just as much my estate as it was his.

  I wrapped my black shawl around the crooks of my arms. As soon as I entered the grand double doors, I waved my matching clutch at Orla who was standing by the grand staircase.

  I would never get used to the grandeur and elegance of the castle. Everything seemed to glow tenfold.

  “Oh, you look so gorgeous. Fit as a queen,” Orla gushed as she held me tightly in her arms. I hugged her back just as tight.

  “Can you get me to the ballroom without being seen?” I gave her a mischievous smirk.

  “Right this way …” Orla took my hand and led me to a small nook, reached behind a tapestry, and opened a door. “Secrets are a dime a dozen around here. All you have to do is look.”

  A bit shocked, I followed Orla through a winding hall. We met a few stairs and even places where the passages split off toward other parts of the castle. I could hear the sound of a full string orchestra. The sounds of people laughing and chatting grew louder the closer we came.

  “Are you ready?” Glancing back at me, Orla pulled a small handle.

  I tried to calm my winging heart. My hand went to my chest as I drew in and out, reminding myself to breathe. “I was born ready.”

  When she opened the door, I quickly entered so as not to draw attention to myself. In the bright light, my eyes squinted. Rainbows danced on the marble flooring from the crystal prisms of the chandeliers. The entire room was bustling.

  Classical music played from the far back corner. The best china and various floral arrangements lavishly adorned the tables. The guests were dressed for royalty. I raised my chin in defiance. I wouldn’t let anything get in my way. Not now.

  I stole a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and moved to mingle with the crowd. I inched closer to the statue of Eros and Psyche in the center of the ballroom.

  I didn’t know what it was that drew my attention to my right.

  Perhaps it was the sound of a hollow laugh.

  Maybe it was the calling of one soul to another.

  Whatever it was, I turned and saw the dragon sipping whiskey from his usual rocks glass. I almost smiled at the familiarity of it all.

  My lips faltered as my eyes drank him in from head to toe.

  He really was a few inches taller, broader. Avalon filled out his suit so well. He wore coattails and a cummerbund which just added to his allure. Instead of slicking his raven hair back as he usually did for events, he let it fall boyishly into his eyes.

  He looked strong.

  He seemed healthy.

  He was back together.

  I could be grateful for that.

  He was no longer suffering.

  Just as I was about to turn away, his eyes flickered up. I saw him do a double take, and suddenly, it was just us.

  A flurry of emotions crossed his face as he excused himself from the conversation he had been involved with. I saw him nervously inhale then glance down before looking back up and making his way toward me.

  Part of me wanted to bolt. I didn’t want this to be a public event. I wanted to run out and down the hall to my old rooms and have him follow.

  I closed my eyes briefly. What was I thinking? I had to guard myself against Avalon, not let him walk back in.

  “Ms. York?”

  My eyes were still closed, but he was suddenly right in front of me. I could feel the tension shimmering in the air between us. It was thick and heat built when I didn’t give it permission to. I didn’t look up.

  Instead, I lowered myself in front of him, just as I had the first time.

  I heard his breath hitch at the gesture.

  “Your Grace.”

  I waited.

  Time slowed to a halt.

  His soft touch under my chin warmed me, but I fought it. Avalon raised my chin and forced us to see the truth.

  So many questions were swimming in his eyes as he stared at me. His face wasn’t harsh or angry or arrogant as I expected it to be. Avalon seemed relieved, happy, and the last—I bit back the urge to fling myself into his arms.

  Love.

  Damn him for looking at me like that.

  I looked up, exhaling. “You really should ask before making someone the guest of honor.”

  I saw his lips twitch slightly, hiding a smirk. “I knew you wouldn’t tarnish your reputation by not coming. It seemed to be the only way.”

  His velvet voice invaded my mind, reminding me of soft words whispered in the dark.

  But his eyes—those stormy grays now splashed with vibrant emerald—entranced me.

  “You really are there …” I spoke out loud.

  Avalon didn’t miss a beat. He took a step closer and gently caressed my cheek, burning me. “There is just one man now, Alexandria. Me.”

  I stared at him. I couldn’t help it. This man enraptured me.

  I broke away from his touch. “Is Lancer here?” I glanced around, giving myself an excuse.

  Avalon gave an irritated sigh. “I invited him, yes, but he declined.”

  “Oh.” Half of me was relieved; the other realized I had no one to remind me to go home.

  Lucky me.

  He lied to me.

  He did it to protect you.

  He promised me no more lies!

  “Forgive me, but I don’t want you to get so lost that you remember why you hate me. Can we just try to enjoy tonight as two people?” Avalon’s request broke me from my inner ramblings.

  I examined his face but nodded. I would rise above the petty.

  “Of course.” I held out my hand. When he gave a confused look, I arched a brow. I huffed. “Escort me?”

  Avalon’s fingers threaded through mine briefly then he raised them to his lips. I could feel the heat of his lips pressing through the satin gloves on the back of my hand. His lips were ones I longed to press mine to.

  “As you wish, Ms. York.” Avalon then positioned his hand properly in mine. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”

  We sailed through the crowd, stopping to speak to familiar faces I had met earlier in the year. Avalon was charming but didn’t cross any boundaries as before. He made it clear I was strictly an artist—a friend.

  I didn’t like the way that word tasted on my tongue—friend?

  Avalon led me toward Vivian, who looked like a glittering angel in a shimmering baby blue gown. I broke away from Avalon and embraced the woman. Her peaceful aura helped calm my nerves.

  “It is so good to see you, Alexandria,” Vivian whispered.

  “It’s good to be back, even for a little while.” I struggled as I found my voice catch in my throat.

  That was right.

  I had vowed this would be the last time I set foot in this castle.

 
“Ms. York.” M stepped forward with a bow.

  “M!” I didn’t allow him to take my hand but wrapped him into an embrace as well.

  “We have missed you.” His sea-green eyes were honest.

  “As I have you all.” As covertly as I could, I pulled M closer. “How has Avalon been?”

  M’s mouth tightened into a thin line as he glanced over at Avalon, who was speaking with a handsome dark-haired man. I saw golden eyes flicker appreciatively over my appearance.

  “He is stronger than I have ever seen him. His Grace is completely whole except …” He let his voice trail.

  “Except?” I withdrew my attention from the stranger with a blush, looking at M.

  “He is the most sorrowful I have ever seen him. Please, allow him the chance to explain. You may find this is not his fault.”

  He left me with that.

  I could feel my face scrunch up into a pout.

  How was me possibly living forever cursed not Avalon’s fault?

  A soft touch to my bare shoulder made my body tremble. I twirled quickly, glowering at Avalon. An expression of understanding reflected in his eyes, and his hand dropped.

  “Ms. York, I would like you to meet someone. This is Father John Alexander. He is a renowned exorcist in America.” Avalon motioned to the handsome man with golden eyes. Father John’s lips twitched as he took my hand. I sensed something else about this man.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.” With a wink, he kissed my hand.

  My head tilted in confusion. I studied the priest and then flicked my gaze to Avalon.

  Father John raised himself to full height. “They call me the Grail Seeker, my lady.”He cut an impressive figure and would rival Lancer in height. In fact, the two looked so similar it was haunting.

  “Grail Seeker?” I asked.

  “Yes, Ms. York.” Avalon rested a hand on Father John’s shoulder. “He is one of my knights.”

  It only took a few seconds for my brain to comprehend the hints I was given. I shared a glance with Vivian.

  “Sir Galahad?” My voice was barely above a whisper.

  “In the flesh, my Queen.” John’s smile was broad and mischievous. He was so much like Lancer, but boyish.