The Duke's Curse (Legend Book 2)

by Kylie Stewart

  Her hands dropped the sheets, exposing her breasts to me, and she reached up to grasp the back of my neck. I could feel myself spring to life knowing nothing but air was between us. My hands roamed over her front, teasing and rubbing gently. It would be so easy to just sink into her again, one more time before this afternoon sealed our fates.

  “Again ... I want you again ...” she begged, dropping her hands down my chest and stomach. With a low groan, I pushed myself back.

  I closed my eyes. “We can’t now.”

  “But why? Avalon, just once more?”

  “Everyone will be here soon.” I said it to jog her memory of Lancer. To my surprise, it didn’t deter her.

  “I can’t. What I felt last night ...” I watched her try to gather her words. The emotion she longed to say swam in her eyes.

  “I know, love.” I grasped her smaller hands, kissing her fingers. “Believe me, I know.”

  “You can’t leave me.” Her fingers slipped from my hold, and she pulled the covers up to shield herself. “Today, you have to fight.”

  I offered a smile. “You know I will. With or without last night, Alexandria, I would fight just as hard to win.”

  “Then win.” Her eyes narrowed. “Or I’ll never forgive you.”

  She won’t forgive me anyway. Not after she learns what I have done to her.

  I stood again, making it to my destination of the closet. I selected a pair of black slacks and a simple, white shirt then I turned back to her.

  “You can take a robe and go back to your chambers to change. We should all do our best to focus and prepare for what is ahead.”

  It took her a moment to slip out of my bed. She shamelessly stepped out of the covers and into the robe, almost as if challenging me. It took all the willpower I had not to take her. Lord knew I wanted to.

  “I’ll see you after a while, Avalon. And thank you ... I have no regrets now.”

  She walked out of the room, leaving me with my thoughts.

  I fought back the tears.

  No, you don’t. But if I can’t win this, I will.

  Twenty-three

  Alexandria

  I stared blankly at myself in the full-length mirror as I brushed through my damp hair. I couldn’t look away. My eyes were wide, vacant, almost as if I were locked in a different place. I was.

  Avalon had brought everything I was terrified to admit to light. The way he took me, slow and sensual, made me close my eyes. Then he claimed me hard and brutal as if he were punishing me for making him wait so long. My eyes slid shut.

  I could feel his hands on my skin, igniting the flames that danced with bliss at being released. I almost cried out, biting my lip instead, as my womb ached for his return.

  Who was I becoming?

  I touched my throat. His tongue still lingered like a ghost. He had invaded me in every way, and I surrendered.

  I blinked back tears, his voice echoing in my head.

  “I love you, Alexandria. I’d die for you. I’d give you the world. I’d wait a thousand more years for you. You are my life. You are my reason for living. You are my heart.”

  All of these beautiful words he spoke to me. Heartfelt and true, he laid his armor at my feet and showed me who he was. He was so much more than I could have ever hoped.

  You slept with Arthur Pendragon.

  A shiver hummed in my blood.

  And I want to do it again.

  That admission both excited me and pained me. I would have to choose. There was no going back now.

  I set the brush down on the vanity before I applied light makeup. I ignored eyeliner and mascara. I had a feeling tears would be plentiful today.

  A quiet knock came on the door.

  “Come in.”

  Orla entered with a motherly smile on her face. “I was just checking in on you. His Grace wanted to give you this.”

  I took the red box from the woman and held it in confusion. Searching Orla’s face, I asked. “Why? Why is he giving me something now?”

  The glittering in her weathered eyes made it clear: this was the last gift he could give me.

  “I shall leave you, dear. He said you’d want to have space.”

  Confused, I waited until the older woman had hurried out of my room.

  An empty feeling in the pit of my stomach rolled over to nausea as trembling fingers opened the small box. I almost dropped it when I saw what lay inside. My vision blurred, my throat clamped shut, and my heart shattered.

  I sank to my knees, clutching the box close to my chest. I couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down my face. I picked up the small piece of folded paper in the top of the box and opened it.

  My Love,

  I give these to you as a token of my love and devotion. Should I not wake from today’s events, do not mourn. I will always be with you. Be happy. Live. Thank you for making me feel human again. Thank you for loving me. Though you may never say it, I see it in your eyes, and that is enough.

  Yours forever,

  Arthur Pendragon R.

  I lifted the two silver bands held carefully on the metal chain. Sobs escaped my chest, and I clung to the necklace. Holding it against my heart, I wanted to scream.

  “Why?” I cried out to no one. “Why would you put him through this? What is the purpose?” Gasping for air, I unclasped the hook and fastened it around my neck. “God, why are you doing this?”

  And like so many times when I asked for answers about my parents, I was rewarded silence.

  I joined Vivian in the lower chapel once I had composed myself. The feel of cool metal against my chest hidden under the t-shirt I wore gave some comfort.

  As I approached the altar, I watched the Priestess lift the sword into the light bleeding through the stained glass windows. It was a slender sword with a simple golden handle. Words I couldn’t decipher were etched down the center of the blade. A slight ringing sound came from within.

  “Ah, Alexandria, so good to see you.” Vivian set the sword down and stood.

  I met her at the front of the altar and gave a wan smile. “Why do I have to be here?”

  She examined my face, about to say something, and then a sly grin crossed her face. As she leant down, she whispered, “It is a good thing that the two of you are closer. It will make this transition so much easier for him.”

  Heat blazed to my face. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  A finely manicured eyebrow lifted, she knew. “Regardless, you seem happier, and he seemed happy when I saw him briefly.”

  “Where did he go?”

  I want to see him.

  “He went out for a ride. He will be back soon.” The woman turned back to her task. “In the meantime, you and I have this sword to attend to. I will warn you—once this entire ordeal is over, Alexandria, it cannot be undone.”

  My thoughts were so jumbled; I barely heard Vivian’s warning.

  The low humming was still droning from the blade.

  “Why does it make that noise?” I wrinkled my nose.

  Vivian sighed. “Merlin told me when he dispelled it, he learned a lot about this sword. It is a sword of souls. People’s life forces can be captured within if a strong enough sorcerer or sorceress can manage.”

  “So Morgan is stronger than we think?” I still worried about the woman left behind at G.R.A.I.L. She seemed no more than a prisoner herself.

  “She is strong, but she was only able to fracture a piece of Avalon’s soul and bind it into the sword.” She frowned. “The reason I have to bless it is because it wasn’t forged in Angel fire.”

  I regarded the blade carefully. “What fire was it forged in?”

  “Hellfire. This is a demon blade.” Her voice grew grave. “Whichever devil or demon Mordred contracted his own soul to must have been high ranking. Not only did he get his curse granted, but he also received this sword to capture King Arthur’s soul.”

  This heaven and hell crap was above me.

  “Why his soul?”

&nb
sp; Vivian picked up the sword again, studying it from every angle. “Not for his soul, for his faith. Arthur believed in God so much, he literally could move mountains. The man was anointed and as favored as high as an earthly prince could be. Like a new King David.”

  “Something must have rocked his faith. Or else it wouldn’t have been so easily taken.” I watched the pain flicker over Vivian’s face. “What happened?”

  She gathered herself for a few moments and then turned to me. Her pale, blue eyes were sad.

  “He found out that his right-hand man and his queen had been unfaithful. It ripped apart the Knights of the Round Table, each drawing their own sides. Lancelot du Lac on one, and Arthur Pendragon on the other.” Her hands rested on my shoulders, and she looked deep into my eyes. “Know that you are not that woman. You are good and of a pure heart.”

  I could only nod.

  Guinevere, the woman with whom I shared a soul with, was vile. So vile and vain that she’d cost her King and her husband all of this. My hands balled into fists.

  I would right her wrongs if I could.

  “What do I have to do?”

  The Priestess smiled in relief. “Once I bless the sword to completion, I will ask you to draw your hand across the blade. It will hurt, and it will bring blood. But the soul within the sword will be awakened. Arthur will know your blood is spilled, thus bringing him to the forefront so that Avalon can slay him.”

  My brows furrowed. “How can Avalon slay Arthur if he is locked in the sword?”

  Vivian’s mouth tightened into a thin line. “That depends on Avalon.”

  Another question was burning my tongue. I had to know, and I had a feeling after all that I knew now, I wouldn’t like the answer.

  “How are we going to bind the two together again?”

  I glanced over at Vivian when I heard familiar footsteps coming closer. They stopped directly behind us, and I turned.

  My heart fluttered wildly in my chest. His gray gaze found mine, and I knew he felt the same. He was wearing jodhpurs and high boots; he must have changed from the pants I saw him taking from his closet this morning.

  “Good morning, ladies.” He nodded to each of us. “You were asking how I am going to come face to face with my old self and defeat him?” Avalon picked up the sword and twisted it in his hand. With a hiss, he set it down quickly. “He doesn’t like me.” His eyes narrowed. “Bastard.”

  “Yes, how are you going to get anything from a sword?” I stepped closer, wanting to bask in the body heat he emitted.

  Vivian watched us, a smug look on her face, but I didn’t even notice. Avalon tucked a piece of stray hair behind my ear, and he allowed himself to drown in my eyes.

  “You will have to stab me in the chest with this sword, and I shall do the rest.”

  His voice was liquid velvet as he spoke; the words almost didn’t register. I jerked back from his hold.

  I blinked. “I have to stab you? Why me? No, I refuse to hurt you.”

  “You have to, Alexandria,” Vivian chimed in.

  In desperation, I pleaded. “No, please don’t make me.”

  “It will be your blood on the blade, and it was your soul that shattered his faith. You must be the one to make it right.” Vivian’s voice was firm.

  Her words were final.

  I gazed back at the man who stood before me. I didn’t know if I had the strength. This man was a king. He was a duke.

  He’s mine.

  I saw the understanding in his eyes as I struggled to process my position. He cradled me, holding me close.

  “Hush, love.” He kissed the top of my head. “You will be doing me a great favor. Plus, this isn’t the first time you’ve stabbed me.”

  I pushed back as he made the horribly timed joke.

  “First time or not, still. How can I hurt you?” I let my hand rest over the scar already on his muscular chest. “I can’t hurt you.”

  His larger hand rested over mine, his fingers curling around my palm. He was smiling. I’d never seen him smile at me like this before. It was real, and it was so beautiful. He was so beautiful.

  “You won’t be hurting me. You will be freeing me. Can you do that for me?”

  I relented, nodding. “I will.”

  “I see you are wearing our bands. I hope I didn’t make you sad.” His face showed the worry he pretended not to hold. He let me see his anxiety but only for a moment.

  “You made me cry again.” I pouted, trying to hold back more tears just thinking about the horrible possibilities.

  “I promise the next time I make you cry will be tears of joy.” Avalon’s thumb brushed against my cheek.

  “Avalon ...” I needed him. I tugged him down to me by his polo shirt and kissed him. A soft sound resonated from his chest as his arms wrapped around me. I kissed him with everything I had.

  Please don’t leave me.

  Promise me you’ll win.

  I love you.

  I conveyed it all in that kiss.

  He answered me every time.

  I will never leave your side.

  I promise to win for you.

  I love you, Alexandria. So damn much it hurts.

  When we came up for air, I felt Avalon freeze. All of his muscles tightened under my hands, and his eyes were transfixed on the door to the chapel. I turned my head to look behind me. I felt a piece of me die.

  Lancer stood, eyes narrowed at not just Avalon, but also at me—no, he was completely focused on me. Before I could speak a word or move, Avalon pulled me behind him.

  “I’m sorry, Lancer ... I couldn’t help myself ...”

  What? No! I kissed you!

  “And here I thought we’d found some common ground, brother.” Lancer’s voice was thick and full of hurt.

  I did this ... because I couldn’t choose. I hurt them when I don’t choose. One of them would get hurt.

  “As did I ... forgive me, Alexandria. I won’t let it happen again.”

  No! I need you to let it happen again!

  Helplessly, I watched Avalon storm out of the chapel, and he paused next to Lancer. The two men stared at each other, and I understood why I had to be the one to make this right.

  I had to choose wisely. I looked at Vivian who just nodded at me. She knew my thoughts. If I didn’t choose the right way, we’d all lose.

  Twenty-four

  Lancer

  He’d gone too damn far this time.

  She’d gone too damn far this time.

  How did she not push him away?

  Why did he feel the need to claim what was mine?

  He was right—Avalon had to be stopped. I would have to be the one to stop him. Yet I would allow him to stand on even ground with me. I would see if he could overcome himself and wake to see another English sunrise.

  I snarled under my breath as I stared at a tapestry of King David slaying the giant Goliath. I made up my mind right then.

  I was Lancelot du Lac. I was the strongest knight in the round. I would take my right, and I would take what was mine.

  Alexandria was mine.

  She had always been mine. No one would get in the way of my future.

  Rage burned in my chest like a call to arms. I would win her, I would marry her, and we would put this curse behind us.

  I vow to kill anyone who gets in my way. And if that means you, Avalon, then so be it.

  Twenty-five

  Avalon

  I didn’t have time to find Lancer and apologize. I was done being sorry for being true to how I felt. He left her. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have even run into Alexandria again. Taking a swig of whiskey, I let the slow burn venture lower until it settled in my gut.

  He left her again once the tabloids exploded all over the three of us. I was there for her. And last night ... I squeezed my eyes shut to get a glimpse of her. Last night, I had her for myself.

  I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I broke her bonds of any man that came before her, and there would
be no one after. Alexandria York was my queen, my duchess.

  My love.

  I couldn’t rejoice just yet. I had a job to do. I had a battle to fight.

  I glanced over at M who was sitting on the long dining room table. His face furrowed with worry.

  “What is it, old man?” I teased lightly. He was the only father figure I had.

  “I can’t see how this will turn out. I am blinded by that damned sword.” He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Do take care, Avalon. Don’t get so cocky. Your old self is still strong and angry, so very angry.”

  “You are telling me,” I sneered. “He’s the one haunting me and threatening to pull me under forever.”

  “Still, keep your wits about you. You are the future; he was once.” His slender hand rested on my back. “Fight for all of us.”

  My jaw worked over and over, M was worried about me.

  “You know I will, Merlin. You’ve taught me for so long; you know I won’t lose.”

  He nodded before hopping off the table and straightening his vest.

  “I have set up the rack for you. It will be easier to hold you down that way.” He placed his spectacles back on his nose, sea green eyes narrowing. “This will be some of the worst pain you shall ever endure. So when you are victorious, you will be stronger than you have ever been. You will become something no one has ever seen.”

  Something no one has ever seen?

  “Will I remember myself? The man I am now?”

  M nodded with a smile. “You will remember these days and so many others.”

  That settled it. If I was going to not only gain my sanity, but I would also become stronger.

  “I will win. For Alexandria ...” An old surge of pride glimmered in my veins. “For England.”

  The clock finally ticked to three o’clock in the afternoon. I took one last look around my chambers and shut the door behind me. A group of people met me in the hall. Vivian stood next to M, Orla played with her apron, and a few of the servants nodded sorrowfully at me. They all knew my secret. They were my family.