Return to Avalon: Book #4 (The Legend Series)

by Kylie Stewart

  “She thinks I’m going away from the weekend on business.” He chuckled. “We both know where I’m really heading off to.”

  Every fiber of my being ran cold, ice filling my veins at the cruel and callous way my fiancé spoke about me.

  “I’ll just write her a note and head out now if that’s what you need.” The handle to the sliding glass door jiggled, and I bolted backward. Slipping back into bed as quickly and quietly as I could, I did my best to slow my rapid heartbeat.

  When Lancer re-entered the bedroom, his cell phone was tucked into his pocket. His gaze cut through me, and I stirred, doing my best to pretend he’d disturbed me.

  “Hmm, Lancer, why are you up?”

  Yawning, I stretched. “It’s cold. Come back to bed.”

  He came around to my side of the bed and sat next to me, causing the mattress to dip. A hand gently caressed my hair and down my cheek. “I have to leave tonight, love. I just got a call from my business associate.”

  “Oh?”

  Tucking my elbow underneath me, I sat up slightly. “Do you have to?”

  Lancer flashed a boyish half-smile that used to make me shiver. “I do, but you tell your grandmother that I wish she feels better when you get there tomorrow. I’ll call you when I get back in town.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips. “I love you, Alexandria.”

  His kiss tasted bitter, but I forced myself to reciprocate. “I love you too, Lancer.”

  Those words held no meaning to me anymore. I’d just caught my future husband in a lie and he continued to lie to me.

  “Get some sleep.” He tucked me back in bed, giving me one more kiss before disappearing from the room.

  I counted to one hundred after I heard the front door open and close.

  Rushing to the window and pushing the curtains aside, I watched as Lancer’s sleek Jaguar glided past on the street below.

  Where are you going?

  Uncertainty clawed around in my chest, and I rubbed over my heart. Then something dawned on me—I was alone in Lancer’s flat. This opportunity wouldn’t happen again.

  Moving swiftly, I surveyed every corner of the flat, curious to see if any cameras were spying on me. Once I was sure my coast was clear, my feet traced quickly toward his study. I breathed a sigh of relief when the knob twisted and clicked open in my palm.

  Lancer’s office seemed sparse, no pens or papers cluttering the politician’s desk. Only two photographs stuck out; one of just us and the other taken after he’d proposed to me at Christmas the previous year.

  Those days of ignorant bliss were long over.

  Angry tears welled in my eyes, and I began to open drawer after drawer, praying I’d find something of value to guide me in the right direction. Finally, after scouring the floor-to-ceiling dark oak bookshelves, a leather-bound journal seemed to crackle and snap beneath my fingers.

  Just a simple light brown leather-bound book screamed to my inner being. I knew that if I opened it, there would be no going back.

  Sitting down at Lancer’s desk, I dared to open the binding and flip through the pages. At the start of last year, he wrote about grand plans for his career as a future MP and also about how much he missed me.

  So he actually thought about me all this time? I couldn’t fight the small smile as his words tugged at my heart.

  Through the summer, though, his handwriting seemed to change from fluid to scribbles, and it became harder to decipher.

  One paragraph made my blood run cold.

  She’s living with Avalon. Out of all the men in England, she just had to find him. Well, I won’t let that happen. She belongs to me. Alexandria is mine. I refuse to let that monster drag her into his games and threaten her life.

  My hands trembled as I turned the page, fear slicing up my spine.

  And what’s worse is she agreed to go home with him. Can you believe it? She’s already wrapped around his finger. I can see it. The way she looks at him and revolves around him and the way he gravitates toward her makes my stomach sick.

  She has no idea who he is, let alone what he is. I cannot allow this and will have to ask for help.

  Blood rushed in my ears, pulsing with the rapid beating of my heart.

  Avalon and I were living together?

  I was wrapped around his finger?

  What is he?

  Swallowing down the thick lump forming in my throat, I continued to read. Days flew by and then weeks.

  I’ve agreed to submit myself to Mordred’s will. Though I do not like doing so, I have no other option. To save Alexandria, I must.

  I blinked, trying to make sense of his vague meaning.

  Submit?

  Why did he have to submit to anyone?

  More weeks went by and then months.

  She’s slept with him. Fuck, she’s fallen in love with him. No matter how much she tried to lie, I can see right through her. Avalon succeeded. He fucking survived. Can you believe that? He actually made it, and she put him back together. I regret nothing. I may have lost her for the moment, but I will win her for eternity.

  I set the book down on my lap and tried to steady the panic building in my chest. These were the months, the weeks, the days that I’d lost.

  Stifling a sob, I covered my mouth with my hand. “Oh, my God.”

  The way Avalon looked at me on the balcony, how familiar he felt leading me around the dance floor, and the safety and solace in his arms now all made sense.

  Not wanting to read any further, I slid the book back into its place and exited the study. My mind swam against a raging current of confusion, lies, and deceit while I frantically packed my overnight bag and locked the flat door behind me.

  The London streets were practically empty as I guided my car back to my shared apartment. Elaine sent me a text earlier to tell me that she was spending the night with Thomas Mordred. The man Lancer submitted to.

  Once parked, I killed the engine and rushed to my door.

  Carefully entering the apartment, I crept through the kitchen and open lounge to peek into Elaine’s room. No sign of her.

  That’s my cue.

  Bolting to my own room, I ripped open all three of my large suitcases and began to shove a variety of clothes into the biggest one. My fingers found the box that housed my secrets and pulled it down to the floor. Quickly scanning the rest of the contents for importance, I packed what I thought I’d need.

  Next came my toiletries, which I threw into the smallest bag. Finally, I knelt in front of my safe and punched in the code.

  Pulling open the heavy door, I reached inside with both arms and began to sweep everything into a duffle. Old photo albums with my parents, cards from friends, and jewelry I didn’t trust to leave lying around all went into the blue bag. Even the gorgeous set Avalon gifted me only nights before would come with me.

  At the very back of the empty safe, something black glittered.

  I narrowed my gaze and reached back inside, pulling what felt like a necklace out.

  “What?” My mouth hung open as I lifted an onyx rosary to eye level. I’d never seen the religious piece before, and I knew it didn’t come from either of my parents.

  A voice echoed in my mind.

  This will protect you.

  I clutched the beads, and warmth replaced the terror in my chest. Standing slowly, I surveyed my room once more before I started to pack my car. My gaze fell upon the handcrafted box on my desk where I placed letters and trinkets from my past.

  The beads seemed to vibrate in my palm.

  “No more surprises,” I muttered, unhooking the latch and opening the lid.

  Little bobbles here and there, a seashell from the beach, and a few photos with my parents came into the overhead light.

  I reached inside and pulled out a photo of my mom and dad and me at the beach, all smiling and happy. This was only a few months before they were killed in an accident. Oh, how I wished they were here now to help me.

  A small note caught my attent
ion, the script flowing and very old-fashioned. Picking it up, it read

  Alexandria,

  I wish you all the best on your first art show. You must be very excited, and you should be. I cannot wait to see what you have created, though your beauty in and of itself is one creation no one can best.

  I wish you all the luck in the world.

  Somewhere deep down in my core, I knew who wrote this note.

  Avalon.

  I gathered the box and put the note and picture back inside before stuffing it into the duffle as well.

  There was no way in hell I could stay near the people who’d lied to me for the past year.

  I had to get away.

  I needed to know the truth.

  The only way to do that was to get to my grandmother’s and give her what Morgan had given me. And maybe, just maybe, I’d see Avalon again, and he’d explain why he kept all of this a secret.

  NINE

  Avalon

  Restful sleep eluded me as I tossed and turned violently while my nightmares faded to dreams.

  A hand on my shoulder woke me in my bed. The fire crackled in the hearth, and shadows danced over the walls. My eyes opened slightly, but the soft rubbing on my back continued.

  “Vivian, what is it?”

  I rolled sleepily over, expecting to see the blonde lady with more news that would only bring my heart pain.

  What came into view sent electricity thrumming throughout my entire body.

  “You.”

  The woman sitting on the edge of my bed with long chestnut hair had the face I so desperately longed to see, but the soul within was not the same.

  “Yes, me, my king.” Her voice pitched slightly lower than Alexandria’s, but the resemblance rocked my core.

  “Why are you here?” I sat up slowly, keeping a safe distance between me and the ghost before me.

  She smiles softly. “Be still, Arthur. I am not here to bring you misery as I have so many times in the past, but joy.”

  It felt as though a fist had reached into my chest and gripped my heart. All our past trials, our arguments, and the outcome of our tragic union came rushing back in a blur. I saw it all.

  “Why are you here, Guinevere?” Even my voice trembled, betraying my inner turmoil. “I haven’t seen you in centuries.”

  Her kind, hazel eyes studied me, and her fingers caressed the back of my hand. She was cold to the touch but warm all the same. A strange mix of life and death, of my past and present.

  “Alexandria will come back to you.” I exhaled at her whispered admission. “She’ll be back soon. I have made sure of it.”

  Fighting back tears, I couldn’t help but move closer to the woman I once called mine. “How can you be sure she’ll come?”

  Guinevere chuckled. “I’ve basically scared the poor child into running straight into your arms.”

  Carefully, I turned my hand upward to hold hers. “Thank you for guiding her.”

  My once queen swallowed hard, shamefully retracting her hand from mine. “She and I still must come together. Just as you did. We cannot stay apart for much longer.”

  “Vivian has made some mention of that.” I nodded in agreement. “How can we find you? Where are you being held?”

  Her hazel eyes glimmered with tears as she forced a smile for my sake. “Oh, my king. I am held in a place where no soul should ever venture. It is my punishment.”

  “Where is your soul being held? I demand to know.” My brows furrowed at her words. “Please tell me Mordred does not hold your soul?”

  Guinevere’s head shook wildly. “No, not him.”

  “Then where and by whom?” I pressed.

  She began to fade, and I struggled to keep my eyes open.

  “Sleep now, Arthur. Only she can find me, and once she does, only you can release us both.”

  I couldn’t speak. My mouth would not move, and darkness engulfed me but only for a moment. Light streamed in through the cracked curtain, and I blinked awake, this time in the realm of reality.

  She was a dream.

  Rubbing my face with my palms, I exhaled deeply.

  She may have been a dream, but her warning is very real.

  And very telling.

  Without much thought, I kicked my legs over the bed and stood, walking over to the window. A gorgeous spring day spread out before me, and deep in my soul, I could feel Alexandria coming closer.

  A sharp rap sounded on my door, and Merlin stepped in unannounced. “My Lord, you are awake earlier than I thought you’d be.”

  Turning to face him, I allowed myself to smile. “Come, Merlin, we must find Vivian. We have much to discuss.”

  TEN

  Alexandria

  Bright sunshine did nothing to ease my nerves while I sat in my grandmother’s living room, waiting for her to answer the questions I’d peppered her with.

  Did I really have an accident?

  If not, why would Elaine and Lancer lie to me about it?

  Do I know Avalon?

  She sat poised across from me in her favorite rocking chair, sipping a cup of tea. Nothing rattled her. Not even the death of my parents or grandpa. She just soldiered on, taking care of me.

  Finally, Margaret put her cup back on her saucer and leveled her gaze on mine.

  “You did not have an accident, and Elaine and Lancer are lying to you. I cannot go into the details as to why because I’m honestly not completely sure. However”—her gray brows furrowed together—“in order for you to learn the truth, you must go to Avalon.”

  My hands shook at her confession. “So all this time, everything has been a lie? My recovery and my engagement are all a lie?”

  “Who gave you an inkling that something was amiss?” Grandma asked, curious.

  That reminds me.

  Turning to my side, I reached into my purse and took out the piece of paper that Morgan had written on for me the day before.

  “Here.” I passed the note over the coffee table. “This is from a woman named Morgan Le Fay, and she said to give this to you. That you’d understand.”

  I watch her blue eyes widen for the briefest of moments before she sighed heavily. “I do understand, and it all makes sense now.”

  “What do you understand?” I stood when she did and clasped my hands together. “What makes sense?”

  “Wait here, dear.”

  She left me standing alone in her living room, anxiously waiting for her to return. Being nosy, I’d read the note Morgan scribbled to my grandmother.

  It read:

  When the spring flowers bloom, and the cold fades away, the king will appear, and he’ll go far away. He’ll leave with his magic, he’ll leave with his men, but mostly, he’ll need her true love again. So unburden your sorrows and give up the last treasure, for your time has come for fairer weather. You’ll see old faces and embrace ones who’ve left, so give up your post and give her the rest.

  I didn’t understand a word of it.

  But my grandmother did, and when she returned to the living room, she held a long box. She set it down on the coffee table, sitting down in her seat once again with a huff.

  “Open it, Alexandria. It is yours to take now.”

  “Take? Take it where?”

  Slowly, I untied the fragile ribbon wrapped around the box and removed the lid.

  A deep crimson velvet cloth seemed to dazzle in the sun’s rays, and I held my breath as I pulled the velvet back.

  Time stopped.

  Everything slowed.

  The worn, hand tooled leather piece before me cried out to my soul. Like a long-lost friend, I reached out to touch the faded chestnut color, and my fingertips traced its ancient symbols.

  “What is it?” Barely able to raise my voice above a whisper, I stared wide-eyed over the open box at my grandmother. “Is this mine?”

  She shakes her head slowly. “No, it is Avalon’s, and he needs it desperately.”

  Flicking my eyes back to the contents of the box, I gently
pulled the long leather piece out and studied it closer.

  “It’s a sheath,” I murmured, finally seeing the slit in the end for a sword and the worn loop for a belt.

  She nods. “It is, and you are going to give it to him.”

  “Me?” Lowering the sheath, I felt a tightening in my chest. “Why me?”

  Her soft smile reached her sparkling blue eyes. “Because when you give it to him, he will be able to answer all of the questions burning in your mind.”

  This is insane.

  I had to take an old sheath to the Duke of Avalon, and just like that, he would magically tell me everything?

  Anger stuck in my throat.

  Why couldn’t he have told me the night of my engagement party?

  Better yet—why did he leave me with the people lying to me?

  If he and I shared anything, and if he was a decent human being, he should have protected me.

  But he didn’t.

  He left me with Lancer.

  “Grandma, I don’t know if I can go face him.” Everything in my bones screamed that I should go to Caliburn and meet with Avalon, but something else, something dark and sinister, made me nervous. “I don’t think it will help.”

  My grandmother stood again and shuffled over to sit on the couch next to me.

  “Alexandria.” She took both of my hands in her soft and weathered ones. “Would I lie to you?”

  Tears gathered in my eyes at her question, and I shook my head. “No, of course, you wouldn’t.”

  “Then go and see Avalon.” She handed me a tissue. “Go to him and learn the truth, and it will truly set you free. Promise me?”

  I knew that look.

  That was the look she used to give my father when they would disagree on something, but she’d ultimately get her way.

  “I promise.” Squeezing her hands back, I smiled in return. “I’ll leave to go right now.”

  “Good.”