A Beautiful Knight (The Cursed Kingdom #2)

Chapter 4

Chapter Four

“ T his is crazy, I can’t do it. I have a job to return to, people depending on me to make a living.” Sabrina sat forward on the edge of her bed, pleading her case to her sister.

“I can’t just sit around waiting for Goldie to decide to appear. I’m sorry; I really need to fulfill my contracts and save my reputation.” She flopped back onto the bed.

Unruffled, as usual, Gwen smiled at her patiently. “You have enough money, Sabrina. You told me yourself the current photo shoot was delayed. Give it at least another two weeks. You can afford to pay the crew for their time.”

Sabrina nodded. What her sister said was true. Her photography was a labor of love, and she was damned good at it. That she was paid very well was an added bonus. Her main problem was that, unlike Gwen, she didn’t give two shits about having any kind of magical gift.

Yes, it came in handy at times and it was nice to help people, but at the same time, to her it was more of a hobby, not something she relied on.

At Gwen’s pointed look, she let out a sigh. “Most of them can probably do other work while they wait. With the delay, I’m sure they have jobs lined up. Other than Tammie, who is working.”

“You can’t put a price on the freedom of these men, can you?” Gwen asked.

Chastised, Sabrina sat back deflated. “You’re right. I know. It just seems impossible at times.”

“Something else is bothering you, isn’t it?” her insightful sister inquired.

Her first instinct to lie fell away when she looked at Gwen. “I am having a hard time reconciling one portion of this whole curse thing. That whoever breaks them free is who they are destined to be with. I am not ready for that.”

“I totally get that,” her sister began. “We don’t know the specifics of Gavin’s curse, and it doesn’t necessarily mean a commitment or a lifetime.”

Although true, the idea of destiny made her uncomfortable. Not that Sabrina was against a relationship, but she preferred it to be something more traditional. Like dating apps.

Gwen’s lips curved and her eyes twinkled with mirth. “I doubt it would be hard to fall for him. Come on, he’s a walking dream.” Her sister bit her bottom lip, closed her eyes pretending to swoon. “Tristan is gorgeous, and I wouldn’t trade him for the world, but I have eyes and Gavin is breathtaking. Isn’t he?”

Sabrina nodded reluctantly. “Exactly and that’s another point. Can you imagine falling in love with someone who looks like that? Women falling over backward, all kinds of propositions. I would be in jail every other week for yanking people’s hair out by the roots.”

Something in her chest tightened. “He’ll probably not stick around for long anyway. So, I’m not sure why I’m stressing.”

Her sister surveyed her for a long moment. “He’s not Tyler. It’s been over a year Sabrina. Give yourself a chance to fall in love again.”

“I have. I’ve been on lots of dates!” Sabrina exclaimed.

“You date male bimbos, and not one amongst the men you’ve dated lately was your type.” Her sister laughed. “Remember Zinc? He couldn’t figure out why we kept asking him if he ever was cold. And who names their kid Zinc?”

Sabrina cringed at the memory. “Zinc is hot and was good in bed.” She wagged her eyebrows at her sister, before admitting, “Out of bed, he was a bit of an airhead. It was annoying that he refused to wear anything other than his underwear unless totally necessary. Good on the eyes, but too naked. He named himself Zinc. It was his professional name.”

Both giggled.

Gwen stood to leave. “When Gavin reappears, ask him the specifics of his enchantment, and if part of the way to help him is to fall in love, then you can freak out.”

Once her sister was gone, Sabrina stood and went to the window and peered out. The day was rainy, a constant drizzle since that morning. It had been months since she’d thought of her fiancé. Tyler had broken off their relationship just weeks before their wedding, claiming he wasn’t ready. She’d begged him not to leave, had acted in ways that were embarrassing to think about now. Sobbing, clinging to him, asking for a second chance, claiming not able to imagine life without him.

To his credit, he’d been visibly upset, and tried to explain why he wanted to end things. She’d not allowed him to talk, her anger and heartbreak overridden by pride. In retrospect, he had been true to himself, not staying in a relationship because of guilt.

Sabrina didn’t remember much about the weeks right after Tyler had moved out. She’d thrown herself into work and did not take a day off for months. Through it all, her sisters had been an unmoving circle of support when she’d needed it the most. Finally, when the haze of heartbreak began to fade and Sabrina emerged from it, she’d not felt stronger, as some people claimed, but glued back together. The cracks were still there, like weathered puzzle pieces.

And in her opinion, it wouldn’t take much for her heart to be easily broken again.

“Are ye well?” Gavin’s voice shook her out of her thoughts. He hovered near the doorway, a frown barely marring his perfect features. “Ye seem troubled.”

“Ah you returned.” She couldn’t get used to this whole sudden appearance thing. Sabrina waved his words away, assuming her nonchalant demeanor.

After silently warding herself against unwelcome magic, she motioned for him to follow to the bed. He went to a chair next to the bed and lowered himself onto it.

She sat on the edge of the bed and opened her laptop, barely glancing at him. This was not the time to get lured into admiration. Nonetheless, she could feel his intense stare.

“I have some direct questions for you. Since you tend to vanish quickly, let’s start.”

He nodded. “Very well.”

“How is your enchantment to be broken?

Gavin cleared his throat. He seemed uncomfortable. “First we must find the spell.”

“I understand that part. What else?” She kept her voice even, almost as if he were one of her clients.

“Ye must make love to me.”

“Just sleep with you?” She grinned. “Not fall in love with you?”

He slid his gaze to the bed. “That may not be necessary.”

“Thank God!” This time she smiled broadly at him.

Confused, he frowned at her. “Ye seem happy? Why? Are you already in love with someone?”

Sabrina continued to smile. “Oh no, I’m not currently in love with anyone. I just don’t want to fall in love with you.” She noticed his look of confusion intensify. “Nothing personal Gavin—but would you like to fall in love with a beautiful man?”

“Nay, I don’t want to fall in love with any man.” He frowned.

“Okay, I phrased it wrong. I don’t know how things were back in the sixteen hundreds, but nowadays, you are the epitome of the perfect man. Women will kill themselves to get at you. Whatever woman you choose as your partner will have to deal with you constantly being approached by other women. Probably men too.”

“It doesna matter,” he told her locking gazes with her. “I will never be unfaithful.”

A chill ran through her and she crossed her arms. “Okay. Umm, back to the enchantment. First the spell, and then have sex...er, make love.” She typed in the information into her notes, closed the laptop and pushed it aside.

“Come.” She got up and moved toward the bed. “I think I got the spell, then we’ll have sex and see what happens. I don’t have a problem with casual sex. It will be fun.”

Gavin got to his feet, looking as if he was prepared to run. With wide eyes he looked at the bed with what could only be described as terror.

“Is there something else?” Sabrina replied confused. “Take your clothes off and come to the bed.” She told him speaking slowly.

“I didn’t explain the terms of the bedding to ye,” Gavin told her, frozen to the spot where he stood, his eyes locked to the bed. “You have to make love to me ,” he said emphasizing the word ‘me.’

“So, I do all the work. Are you sure you’re not making that part up?”

He nodded, lips pressed together.

Sabrina exclaimed, “Okay I think you’re making that up.”

“Why would I do that?” He asked, anger replacing wariness. “I do not lie.”

“Fine, whatever,” Sabrina was actually looking forward to sex with him. He was hot and well built. “What’s holding you back?”

“There is another part that I don’t understand.” Gavin seemed to relax now that she’d moved back to sit down on a chair. “The words say that we must find the truth in the transformation.”

She’d have to be patient. “Tell me the curse. Word for word.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he nodded. “The deepest love your lover has ever known. An intimate touch that reaches the soul. Surrendering total and complete freedom over your body, offering yourself freely, without hesitation or compulsion. And find your truth in the transformation.”

“Wizards love riddles, don’t they?” Sabrina huffed and pointed to the chair. “Pull that chair closer and sit. Repeat the curse so that I can type it in. I’ll have to go over it with Gwen.”

At his look of relief, she almost rolled her eyes. Surely having sex with her would not be that hard of a task. She met his eyes. “Before you go, I want to try the spell that I have written. I’m curious to see what happens, if we sense it’s the right one.”

She scooted to the edge of the bed and held out her hands palms up on her lap waiting for him to place his on top; he looked at her hands hesitantly before placing his large hands on hers.

When their hands touched, Sabrina inhaled sharply and prayed her ward held. Just his touch would have buckled her knees if she’d been standing.

“Turn it off Goldie.” She gritted her teeth.

“I am not doing anything.” He replied impatiently. “My name is Gavin.”

She ignored him and closing her eyes, began to chant the spell she’d memorized.

By earth, by air, by fire, by sea,

I call upon the power to set thee free.

Chains unseen and binding tight,

Shatter now, by ancient light.

By flame that burns and water’s flow,

The captive heart begins to grow.

No longer held by fear or might,

I summon freedom’s endless flight.

By star and moon and sun above,

I break the bonds with strength and love.

The curse is dust, its hold is gone,

By will and word, the spell is done.

Gavin’s grip tightened and she opened her eyes. He seemed to be in some sort of trance. His eyes half closed, long lashes fluttered, his mouth slightly parted, he let out a breath before opening his eyes. The amber eyes darkened just enough to make the golden flecks almost sparkle. She lost the ability to breathe. Her sister was correct, he was definitely breathtaking.

His eye met hers briefly before looking past.

Again, the look of pure fear that could not be mistaken for anything else returned.

Not mere jitters.

The man was scared to death.

“You felt something didn’t you?” she asked, not understanding why he wasn’t elated. “The room seemed to tilt and then swayed. Did you feel it?”

He frowned, looking at their hands still joined. “I do. I have to go.”

When he didn’t pull his hands away, Sabrina didn’t move either. Then it struck her. It had probably been hundreds of years since he’d been with a woman. Perhaps he needed time to adjust to being touched. She slid her right hand out and ran her fingers along the top of his slowly, keeping an eye on him. His hand was large, a warrior’s hand. Although his palm was rough, the skin on top of his hand felt soft. She traced a circle softly around each knuckle. He watched intently, not moving.

“Gavin,” she said continuing the movement of her fingers on his left hand. “How about we take it slow? Start with touching. I’m here for as long as it takes.”

His look of relief didn’t surprise her. The man was scared! Her heart softened at the sight of his grateful smile. And she steeled herself against it.

“Thank you.”

“What is happening with the others?” Sabrina asked, her fingers continuing to trace from his hand to his lower arm. “Have any of them felt anything yet?”

“Nay. I mentioned yer sister to them.”

She couldn’t stop the surge of protective instinct. “I am sure Tammie won’t be one of their saviors. Tristan and Gwen are already searching for others with gifts to see if they can come and help.”

“That is good. I will inform the men. Tell Tristan things remain calm with us for now. There have been no quests or attacks.”

“Tell me something. Be honest. How do you really feel? Are you ready to be freed?”

Gavin studied their hands. “There are days when I wish for nothing more than to be free of that world. I understand the sooner I am freed, the faster we can free the others.” He’d not said how he actually felt, but she let it go.

Slowly he flexed the fingers of his right hand, circling hers. He took a sharp breath but didn’t let go.

There was something he held back, a reason for the fear that had nothing to do with her or even sex. Whatever it was made the curse hard to break. She’d have to study the curse word for word.

“Gavin, this “making love” condition. There is something difficult about it for you, right?”

He slid his hands away from hers. “I can make love to a woman.”

When he stood, she rose with him and placed her hand on his arm insuring she kept the touch neutral. He stared at her hand but didn’t move away.

He grimaced. “The pull is getting strong.”

Sabrina grabbed the laptop. “So, you do not fear lovemaking, but I suspect it is more the way the act is performed that breaks the curse?”

It was slight, but he nodded.

“Good. Now, I think we should also consider location. Can you get yourself to your ancestral home?”

“I have gone there in the past, so yes.” He let out a soft grunt and grimaced again, but didn’t disappear to the alter-world.

Sabrina could tell he barely hung on. “Hurry back. I have an idea. Come to where I summon you.”

“I will.” Locking gazes with her, he nodded once and vanished.