Believe by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page B

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 headback 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.”