Believe by Victoria Alexander Page B

Galahad’s reasoning. Besides, as much as he wished to better know the infuriating lady and explore the enchantment she held for him, he would not be at Camelot for long.
    ‘Twas past time to beg the king’s permission for the one adventure he’d longed for all his days. For one reason or other he’d missed his chance, time and again. He suspected his father and Arthur had long conspired to keep him from the attempt. Misplaced concern forhis safety, no doubt. Few knights ever returned, not because they had succeeded but because their lives had been lost with their quest. Those that did come back lived in the shadow of failure.
    Galahad would not fail. He knew it in his bones, in his soul. It was he, and he alone, who would find the Grail and thus become its guardian. He did not know precisely what that role entailed but he was prepared. Whatever the cost, ’twould be well worth it. He snapped the reins and the horse started toward Camelot.
    And should Arthur refuse? The thought pulled him up short and he stared without seeing at a point far beyond the forest surrounding him. He had not considered the king’s refusal. To defy the king was treason, punishable by death. But more, he’d sworn an oath to Arthur as his liege lord and shirking his vow of obedience to his king would be the highest breech of a man’s honor and duty.
    And what of my duty to myself? Galahad straightened, resolve raising his chin. There was no choice. This was the path he was meant to tread. He knew nothing in his life so much as he knew this. And no one—not his king nor his father nor a wizard, not even a damsel with golden hair and velvet eyes—could dissuade him from fulfilling his destiny.
    It was time and he was Galahad, a knight of the realm. He would seek the prize that all men sought for the glory of his king and his country and his soul.
     
    “’Tis not to your liking, my lady?” The maid’s pretty brow furrowed with concern.
    “It’s fine. Thanks.” Tessa nodded at the platter ofbread and cheese and restlessly paced the width of the room Galahad had abandoned her in.
    “You have not taken but a morsel.”
    “I’m not nearly as hungry as I thought I was.” It was a blatant lie. Tessa felt like she hadn’t eaten in years. Hah. Of course, it hadn’t been years, it had been centuries. Still, every time she tried to take a bite, she’d think of pasteurization, not developed yet, refrigeration, not invented yet, and germs, not discovered yet. Who knew what kind of disgusting microbes were flitting around on this stuff?
    “You can scarce get your strength back without food.” Oriana sniffed. “Sir Galahad left strict orders that you should eat.” Her mouth set in a firm, no-nonsense line. A pretty girl with light brown hair and amber eyes, she couldn’t be much more than sixteen but she had the unmistakable air of a drill sergeant.
    “Okay. You’re right. I’m not going to be able to deal with any of this if I’m hungry. This is not the best time for a diet.” Tessa stepped to the wooden table that bore her questionable meal, tore off a small piece of bread and gestured with it at Oriana. “I’ll just think of this as all-natural health food. Very trendy.” She took a bite.
    “Trendy?”
    “Um-hum.” Tessa chewed and swallowed. A little dry, a bit tough but palatable. “Trendy. Hot. Popular. The thing to do.”
    Oriana pulled her brows together. “Your speech is most curious.”
    “Believe me, if you want curious, you should try it from this side of the conversation.” Tessa eyed the cheese. Pale and crumbly, it didn’t look at all appetizing but it wouldn’t kill her. Probably. She broke off achunk and took a tentative bite. “Not bad.” She studied the cheese. “Kind of like…feta.” She stared for a long moment. This was the final straw. The other shoe. The last piece of the puzzle. Her stomach twisted.
    “My lady? Is something amiss?”
    “Yes. No. I guess not.” Tessa brushed her hair away