Forgotten Time

By Lorraine Beaumont

#1 AMAZON BESTSELLING TIME TRAVEL SERIES ..."Magic, Mystery, Debauchery, Handsome Earls, Dashing Dukes, Knights in Shining Armor, Delectable Wastrels, and Mouth Watering Millionaires....Whats there not to like!" J Scott Award Winning Author

A once forgotten legend...

Katherine Nicole Jamison never imagined when she took a job at a prestigious auction house for the summer, that one moment of impulsiveness could change her life forever. When she "borrows" an ancient amulet she inadvertently sets in motion a series of events which results in her waking up in 18th century England, betrothed to an arrogant, self-centered Earl.

Sebastian de Winter ~ The Earl of Ravenhurst,is a renowned womanizer who always prided himself as being a ladies man, until he is left standing at the altar. His betrothed Marguerite vanishes into thin air and as if by magic reappears months later. But is she his betrothed?

Ravenhurst ~ locked somewhere within the gloomy confines of this ancient edifice is the key that will unlock the door of time itself.

Books in this Series
Forgotten Time
Shadows of Yesterday
Time to Remember
Dreams of Tomorrow
Now and Forever
A Victorian Christmas
Lucian
A Modern Day Christmas

Scroll up to begin your adventure today

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lorraine Beaumont
• Release date: Apr 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301393657

Lorraine Beaumont

Lorraine Beaumont is a #1 International Bestselling, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author and an Award-Winning Poet. All of her books are written with an ensemble cast of characters, filled with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. She has four different series to date written in multiple genre'. Ravenhurst, Briarcliff, Edenbrooke Hollow, Lost in the Highlands. She loves hearing from her readers - Connect with her online anytime: Website: www.lorrainebeaumont.com Email:[e-mail] Twitter: @Lbeaumont_

Book preview

PRAISE FOR THE RAVENHURST SERIES

It has been a few years since I was able to stay interested in a book. The Ravenhurst series has given me the pleasure of feeling like I can't live without knowing - again!!!! R Groen

Ms. Beaumont's story kept me captivated from the get go and made me blush in quite a few spots. Great books! Book Gorilla reader, Judy

"Fans of Outlander will fall in love with this series filled with swoon worthy knights and unexpected twists and turns!" Romancingthereader

"I love to read time travel stories but have never read one as good as Diana Gabaldon Outlander series until now! Like Diana, Lorraine puts you right into the story and you don't want it to end! Thank you for a very memorable and enjoyable vacation read. And I will be looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope it's about Lucian. Fingers Crossed."  J. Wagner

Hoping this series makes it to Hollywood! Christina

LOVED this book. I search out time travel books and have now found my favorite writer! This isn't just a mindless read. There are twists and turns and things I didn't predict. Perfect. Can't wait to read the rest of the series! Just me

There's everything you want in a book , romance , a bit of mystery & danger ! Anita Foster

Time Travel in an adult format. Well written and draws you in the very first sentence. I highly recommend this book. Ms. Beaumont is a true storyteller from the beginning to the end. Crystal Miles Gauthier

Loved this book! I have enjoyed the entire series. I liked how the characters in the series had a cross over or were mentioned in the book. CAT

Loved this book and bought the series.. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it... Bella Perez

Awesome Books Amanda Smith

Totally love the storyline - and can't wait to read the next books on Ravenhurst!!! Kathy

Amazing time travel stories! I could not read them fast enough! Waiting on next book to get done. I love the way it all blends together Dawn Sorrell

This series was great. It was romance with time travel. The stories all linked together and were well written. Love the characters. Cheryl Helberg

I really enjoyed reading these books, they are very well written and the story line keeps you wanting to continue reading. I did not want to put the book down. I am waiting very patiently for the next one to come out. Eric Niver

Hard to put down... so many stories under one cover a real page turner! Have to read the next book.

La Verne G Menear

Great mystery with a side of beef! Lorie Van Gorp

I'm hooked! B Pellegrin

Loved this series. Hope it keeps on going. The characters are so real and the story lines are fantastic. Once you start reading you can't stop. L. Breed

This reminds me of Outlander. A great story from beginning to end! True Romance

Fantastic! another time travel sequence. I do not want it to stop. Cannot get enough of Lorraine Beaumont novels. Keep them coming and I will keep reading. Thanks! Piper/Holly

This series is amazing! Jessiejo

Thank you Ms. Lorraine for the most wonderful time travel series ever! Keep them coming Sandy

Very edgy and intriguing! Dedeia

I like this author very much. She is different than your ordinary time travel romance author. In a good way!!!! Jill Cogburn

Brilliant! This is a great story. I am now up to the fourth book in the series and wish there were many more. So hard to put down. Well done Lorraine ... keep writing!! Robyn Roberts

Nicely done! I liked the way the author handled intrapersonal remarks, putting them in italics. That was very effective and at times extremely humorous. Niren

Charming! Ms. Picc

It is a fantastic story line. Thanks Lorraine, you have been a blessing for me, especially since I had two operations last year, and I am still recuperating this year. God Bless you, keep writing, please. C. Bridgeford

Intriguing! Denise

Love this Series! Thalia in Kansas

Excellent! Makes you forget the real world for a while. ykminers

The Ravenhurst Series is fantastic. Lorraine is a fantastic writer. Look forward to new books to each series of books that she has written already. Charlotte

Amazing time travel stories! I could not read them fast enough! Waiting on next book to get done. I love the way it all blends together! Dawn Sorrell

I loved this book as well as all the books in this series. The story line is well developed and easy to follow even when it is switching between the past and the present. All the characters are well developed and believable. They are complex and flawed, but all we can identify with. I truly loved the ending of this story, it was a surprise ending for me. I would truly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys time travel stories. Brenda Langham

I love the way Lorraine Beaumont continues the wonderful mixture of suspense, romance, action and mystery. Even though it appears the end is here and all has fallen into place, she leaves the door open for more at the end! Cat Figaro

Other titles by Lorraine Beaumont

Ravenhurst Series

#1 Bestselling Time Travel Romance

Forgotten Time

Shadows of Yesterday

Time to Remember

Dreams of Tomorrow

Now and Forever

Ravenhurst: A Victorian Christmas

Lucian

Ravenhurst: A Modern-Day Christmas

♦

Ravenhurst Special Edition Trilogy

A Knight Such as This

A Knight to Remember

A Knight for all Time

♦

Lost in the Highland Series

#1 Bestselling Scottish Time Travel Romance

Lost in the Highlands, Book I

Lost in the Highlands, Book II

Lost in the Highlands, Book III

♦

Briarcliff Series

Young Adult Paranormal Dark Urban

Fantasy Written for Adults

Briarcliff - Elyograg

Briarcliff - Gargoyle

Briarcliff - Degare’

♦

Edenbrooke Hollow Series

Paranormal Time Travel Romance

We Three Witches: a Good Spell Gone Wrong

We Three Witches: Something Wicked

We Three Witches: Toil and Trouble

♦

New Series in the Works

CONTENTS

PRAISE FOR THE RAVENHURST SERIES

Other titles by Lorraine Beaumont

DEAR READER…

IDLE MINDS

WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

REFLECTION

WHEN IN ROME

IT’S COMPLICATED

OVERSTAYING A WELCOME

WHAT WAS LOST CAN BE FOUND

LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

NOT ALONE

DENIAL

DESPERATION

CONSEQUENCE

MEMORIES DO NOT ALWAYS FADE

THE LIES WE TELL

THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM

GOOD MORNING

NO ONE LIKES TO SHARE

RECOMPENSE

THE GAMES THAT WE PLAY

TIME DOES NOT HEAL ALL WOUNDS

A MOMENT’S PLEASURE CAN FADE

PAYBACKS ARE A BITCH

INDECISION

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANTA PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR PARTNER

FINDERS KEEPERS

THE CRAZY THINGS THAT YOU DO

ONCE A THIEF ALWAYS A THIEF

REGRET LEAVES A BITTER TASTE

JUSTICE MAKES A CRUEL BEDFELLOW

IF WALLS COULD TALK

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT

OUT OF SIGHT DOES NOT = OUT OF MIND

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES

SALVATION

SECOND THOUGHTS

CAPTIVITY BE DAMNED

PLANS GONE AWRY

TIME LAPSE

CAPTIVITY MAY NOT BE SO BAD

TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS

THE PRICE OF LIES

JUST DESSERTS

WHEN YOU OPEN THE WRONG DOOR

REGRETS

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

WIT’S END

WHAT IS BEHIND DOOR # 3

DESPERATE MEASURES

A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

IF LOOKS COULD KILL

ARE YOU HAPPY TO SEE ME

A MOMENT LOST

SWEET MISERY

A NEW DAY

YOU SHOULDN’T PLAY WITH FIRE

THIS TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE

WHAT LURKS IN SHADOWS

LOSS

THE PAST WILL COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU

PAYING RESPECT

BEFORE THE STORM

WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

SCATTERED HERE AND THERE

LOVE IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

CARRIED AWAY

EVEN THE GOOD MUST COME TO AN END

SECOND CHANCES

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN

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Personal letter from Lorraine –

ABOUT LORRAINE

AUTHORS NOTE

Like Outlander, Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent, Pretty little Liars, The Vampire Chronicles, Trylle, Witches of East End, Vampire Academy, Shades of Grey, True Blood, Nightshade, Matched, Vampire Diaries, The Selection, etc. This is an ongoing story. All the books are interconnected and the main story arc will not end until the fifth book. The sixth and seventh book are standalones and do not have to be read with the other books.

DEAR READER…

You are cordially invited to join me on an adventure through the pages of my Ravenhurst books.

cLICK OR TAP

THE INVITATION TO READ THE RULES!

IDLE MINDS

Present Day

THE stately grandfather clock groaned out its sixth chime to mark the hour. Katherine shoved her feet back into her Betsey Johnson peep-toe pumps and then smoothed the wrinkles from her pencil skirt.

She turned towards the glass doors and started counting backwards. Ten… nine… eight… seven….the floor began to vibrate. Six… five… four… three… two …

The glass doors flew open and gusts of cool air hit her in the face.

Have a good weekend! she called after them…"The Evening Stampede."

A few blurred airwaves were tossed back in her general direction as her co-workers flew past.

"Wow," she mouthed in awe. They’re moving fast today. Lowering her arm, she sat back down. It never ceased to amaze her how fast her co-workers could move when it was closing time. One day she really needed to get a stopwatch and time them. She bet they broke a few records. Now they were all huddled in a group waiting for the elevators to come up to the twelfth floor.

Biddle & Bailey, the high-end auction house she worked for, owned the building. The reception area was in the center of the twelfth floor. Bronze statuary and Chinese ceramics were some of the items showcased in lit alcoves throughout the room.

A large still-life painting hung on the cream-colored textured walls above an Eames-era sofa. Two separate sets of glass doors flanked either side of her desk and led to different departments. A lone glass door, near the elevators, was completely off limits. It led to a set of private offices for the owners.

The elevators dinged.

Everyone squeezed on except Dane and Candy. They were too busy flirting with one another. They were both married, but not to each other.

Katherine couldn’t leave until everyone else left, so she busied herself with inane tasks attempting to look occupied. Of course, it was a lie. She was really spying on Dane and Candy. She wanted to know if they were hooking up tonight.

Her best guess was yes.

The elevator swished loudly as it moved up the shaft.

She angled her head so she could look …without looking. They were both in her sights…Dane slid over to the side, getting closer. Candy angled her body towards Dane. They were toe-to-toe… Dane lifted his hand… Oooh this was getting good and then nothing. A blob of black blocked her view completely.

Dangit! She knew who it was, and what he ate for lunch today…sushi. To avoid the gust of fish breath that was about to come her way, she shoved away from the desk and stood quickly.

Hey Ned, what’s up? She grabbed hold of the back of her chair and pushed it forward. Ned was one of the top appraisers at Biddle & Bailey, aka "the infamous blob" who was now chewing on something… she hoped it was a mint.

Ned lifted his finger in the air.

Apparently, he needed a moment.

Casually she leaned to her left to see what Dane and Candy were doing. Just as she made her move, the elevator doors dinged shut. Well that stinks. Now she would have to wait and try to pry the gossip out of Janice her co-worker, on Monday. Janice knew the dirt on everyone.

Bending over, she picked up her Warhol Marilyn tote off the floor and placed it on the desk.

Ned patted his pockets, mumbling some sort of gibberish to himself.

What is he doing?

Ned, do you need some help? She slipped her latest issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine into her bag.

No. He shook his head back and forth. I am merely looking for something.

Great. It was already six twenty. Traffic was going to be terrible. This was obviously going to take a while. Pulling out her chair, she sat down, lifted her W magazine off the desk, and flipped through the large pages. She made it all the way to the arty fashion feature that consisted of fifteen or so full-page photos that told a story. This one had a white-haired Mermaid with a pearl nose ring, entitled, "Far from Land."

Ah-Ha! Ned exclaimed exuberantly. Here we are. He held a white envelope in his left hand and leaned forward. "It’s Friday…" he sang the word and lifted his brows up and down.

"Yep, it’s Friday. Woo!" she cheered. She wasn’t real sure what all the brow lifting was about though.

Ned leaned in closer, which was kind-of hard since there was a substantial desk between them, and he still he managed to do it. Amazing.

So… what fun things do you have planned for this weekend? He traced his fingers across the marble design on the desk.

Not much. She made a face and tossed the magazine back on the desk. I guess I’ll see what’s going to be On Demand. She hoped something good was on. If not, she was going to re-watch Twilight, for the umpteenth time. Yes, guilty as charged, she was a Twihardaholic. She secretly adored all things Twilight. Fine that was a lie. It was really about the eye candy and eternal life with said eye candy that didn’t sound like such a bad thing. At least not to her…well except food. She’d miss food. This reminded her she needed to pick up something for dinner…some tasty take-out maybe and something yummy for dessert. OH, and maybe some chips to counter the sweets. Damn, were her sweats clean?

Ned gurgled across the desk.

Her mind squelched to a halt. Oh God, was he choking? Ned, you okay? He had better be okay or she would have to do her version of the Heimlich maneuver, which would consist of her smacking the crap out of his back because she had no idea how to do the real one.

He pulled on his collar and held up his hand. I’m good. He smiled widely.

The smile reminded Katherine of a beatific "I’m a cat that just inhaled the canary type of smile" which made her wonder if he did that choking crap on purpose just to get her attention.

The reason for my question…well…I was wondering if you were free this evening? His brows lifted expectantly with a hopeful look.

Oh, crap…was he asking her on a date? No. No. No. Think excuse. She needed an excuse. Ned was nice but she didn’t like him in that way. Now she was going to end up hurting poor Ned’s feelings, but she didn’t want to go out with him on a date either. She shook her head back and forth, words eluding her for the moment.

Ned plodded onward, It seems I have been fortunate enough to procure tickets to Biddle & Bailey’s Historic Society’s Preservation Ball. He waited a beat. "It’s to be held at Ravenhurst estate," he singsonged and flapped the coveted invitation in the air.

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. In an instant, she changed her head motion from side-to-side to up- and-down. Yes,…yes…yes. This put a completely different spin on the question. Ravenhurst? she repeated, just to be sure.

Ned nodded his head up and down for clarification.

It was Katherine’s turn to lean forward. Her fingers itched for the invitation. She had half a mind to jump over the desk and wrestle Ned for it. But she held herself in check. It was hard though…so very hard.

Ravenhurst was one of those places everyone talked about, especially in the appraisal business. It was a magnificent creation erected as far back as King Arthur’s realm, and steeped in as many legends.

As I was saying, Ned continued, sounding impatient. I do realize this is extremely short notice but you did make a point of saying that you have no pressing engagements for this evening. His light blue eyes zeroed in on her.

Katherine crossed her arms, and tapped her chin like she was really giving it a lot of thought. Hmm… either she could stay at home lusting after some fictional characters from a movie and stuff her face or she could go to a ball? No-brainer. But what of Ned? Did he think this was a "friendies" type of date or a real one?

I was appointed a driver, and the evening is to be a costumed affair. Everyone must dress in a particular era. I thought the Victorian era would be perfect. I do so love all things Victorian you know, and it really does promise to be jolly good time. He rubbed his hands together excitedly.

His enthusiasm was catching.

Tingles of excitement shot through her at the prospect. It was two for two. Invited to a freaking castle and now she would get to dress up too.

How awesome is that!

Her mind sped off to another time and place. What had it been like to live in a place like Ravenhurst? What of the balls, and hunts, that must have taken place on long weekend parties? Oh, and the gallant men, how they must have courted their ladies. Were they dashing, debonair, and rich? Or more reserved, brooding, and wealthy, like John Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility?

"Katherine…Katherine?" Ned snapped his fingers.

Huh? She pulled her mind back from the clouds.

Will you accompany me?

His expression reminded her of a little puppy. He looked so darn cute.

Of course I will. She ran around the desk and gave him a big exuberant hug. It only lasted a moment but he was really giving her a good squeeze.

When she pulled away, she noticed his expression had changed completely. Puppy was gone and Piggy was in his place. Oh Great! Too thick. She had poured it on too thick and now he probably thought she wanted more than a simple, "I’m using you to go to a castle kind of date."

Wonderful! Ned exclaimed, his elation clearly showing.

Heck, Katherine was elated too. Who in their right mind wouldn’t be? And then just as suddenly reality crashed in and ended her short-lived fantasy. She had nothing to wear and her fatty-pants weren’t going to cut it…not there. Oh Ned, she whined. I can’t go. She poked out her lip and made a sad face.

What? He blanched. Why ever not?

I don’t have anything to wear. She leaned forward and bumped her forehead on the top of the desk in theatrical defeat.

Ned laughed brightly at her antics. Oh, no worries, my sweet. Have you forgotten that I am Biddle & Bailey’s sole appraiser of antique textiles? My job has some pretty nice perks, he boasted. I have just the thing for you to wear down in storage. Give me but a moment and I will retrieve it for you. He reached out and gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.

Seriously?

Yes, yes, I am serious. He petted her arm. Now, chin up. No worries, I’ll be back in a jiffy. With one final squeeze on her arm, he turned on his heel and made a dash for the elevator. He jumped inside and the doors slid shut.

Once the coast was clear, she broke into a ‘I’m going to a castle’ happy-dance. One foot lifted in the air… she shook her head to the unheard beat…

The elevator dinged.

"Shit. She dropped her foot back down and quickly scurried behind her desk. She half expected to see Ned burst from the elevator doors doing the Speedy Gonzales" (her name for his fast-paced walk) across the reception area floor. However, it was not Ned coming across the room at all.

No, instead, it was an attractive older man. He took his time and had a casual elegance. There was an umbrella tucked under his arm and a small box in his other hand. His suit, which was dark gray and exceptionally tailored, contrasted with his thick white hair, even though you could see glimpses of the dark, almost black color it had once been.

Good evening. May I help you? Katherine plastered on her most flattering: I am a professional, smile.

His eyes twinkled. As a matter of fact, my fine lady, you may, he said with a crisp English accent. Gingerly he set the box on the desk. I would like you to look at an item I have. He tapped his fingers on the velvet lid.

Uh… She forced her gaze up from the box. I’m sorry. She twisted her fingers together. All the appraisers are gone for the evening.

Is that so? He quirked a brow. Perhaps you could help me?

She cleared her throat and slid her sweaty palms over the sides of her skirt. Of course, certainly, I can try. I will warn you though, I may not be of much assistance to you. She smiled playfully at him.

He frowned.

Oh my GOD! What am I doing? Flirting with him? He’s old. "I mean…uh… what I meant to say was, I will…I mean, I can try to um…erhm, help you."

His frown faded. "Oh Katherine, my sweet dear. I feel quite certain that you of all people are the only one who can help me."

The fine hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She was getting a strange feeling about him. And it wasn’t an "I’m getting hit on feeling either." Her mind raced as she tried to recall if she had somehow met him before. She searched her brain but came up empty. He lifted his hand and moved her nameplate to the side. The uneasy feeling receded a bit, but not entirely.

The lights above glinted off his ring as he unhooked the latch on the box.

Katherine leaned forward to get a closer look and got a big whiff of his cologne. It smelled expensive, and screamed: I’m a refined English gentleman type of cologne. At least that is what she thought a refined English gentleman should smell like. He had such an old world charm about him too. Actually, he looked like he was from another century altogether.

The box creaked as he opened the lid.

All thought fled her mind as he pulled a substantial blood-red stone encased in gold, from the box. The stone swung haphazardly and glimmered beautifully under the lights.

Instantly, she had an urge to try it on.

It was an overwhelming urge.

Actually, she really wanted to take it from him and had to force herself not to. What in the hell is wrong with me? Of course, she knew better. You never, ever, ogle consigners’ items, end of story and yet, she couldn’t stop herself from lifting her hand to touch it.

The gentleman chuckled and pulled the necklace just from her reach.

He may be old, but he sure was fast.

She narrowed her eyes, never taking them off the prize. She could tell he was watching her, but she didn’t care. Not one bit. All that mattered was that necklace and her desire to wear it. He covered the stone with his hand. She blinked and pulled her gaze back to his. Immediately her face flamed with color. He was giving her the weirdest look.

He cleared his throat and his eloquent voice echoed out through the room. Do not let the beauty of this necklace fool you, he warned, and uncovered the stone once again. Legend has it that every one of the previous wearers mysteriously disappeared.

"Hmmm? Distracted, her eyes followed the stone back and forth, back and forth, until he covered it with his hand again. She shook her head. Wait…what? How can the wearer disappear and you have the necklace? That doesn’t make any sense."

My goodness Katherine, you are quick as ever, I see.

Huh? Her mouth popped open.

The necklace does tend to show back up through time, he said. Who knows? He shrugged. Perhaps there is more than one of these floating about. He waved his hand dismissively and then set the necklace down on the desk.

More than one necklace? A giddy rush of excitement passed through her. She wondered where she might find one for herself but why should she? One was right here, within her grasp… She walked her fingers towards the necklace. Strange, she said more to herself than to him.

"Yes, well, the story is that this necklace was made by a gentleman from Arthurian times."

You mean like King Arthur’s time with Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table? Her mind began to envision it all.

He chuckled. The sound reminded her of a Christmas cookie, warm and sugary. I have only met a few of the Knights. Most are good lads. As for Merlin, he keeps to himself mostly. He leaned in and lifted his hand to the side of his mouth, whispering, He likes to keep himself closeted away so he can spy on Morrigan.

Katherine wasn’t sure why he was whispering…

they were alone. Wait a minute…was he serious? Oh no, was he some crazy eccentric? Of course he was…he had to be. She never met anyone normal. And she was all alone too. Wait…no she wasn’t. Ned said he would be back in a jiffy. Granted she wasn’t too sure how long a jiffy was, but she was sure he would be back at any moment. That made her feel much better but just in case she took a step backward. Not that it mattered. He had a really faraway look on his face and she doubted he even knew she was here anymore.

This particular necklace was created to bring a knight back his lost love.

Bring her back from where? Her eyes widened.

He didn’t answer.

"Hello Sir…sir…"

He shook his head and his eyes refocused. I cannot say, he practically whispered.

Why can’t you say? she whispered too.

Unfortunately, he said and shook his head. We will never know.

"Why won’t we know?" she asked, getting peeved. That was it. Seriously?

I apologize dear… He gave her a sympathetic look. The tale has been lost through time. Who knows? Mayhap there was another reason altogether for the making of the necklace or necklaces. He chuckled lightly.

Katherine noticed his laugh sounded strained, not sugary and warm this time. What was he up to? She stared at him to see if his countenance would falter but his expression didn’t change.

He set the necklace back down on the desk and ran his fingers down the length of the chain. This necklace is supposed to have power within, he commented distantly.

What kind of power?

Apparently, if this necklace is worn when the moon is full, and the stars align just right, otherworldly things will happen.

She opened her mouth and shut it again. That’s it. What the hell? Right, sure…if you say so. She tried not to roll her eyes but couldn’t stop her disbelief from showing.

I am completely serious Katherine. He widened his eyes for emphasis. Take heed to what I say! This is no mere necklace. The wearer will become captive to the whims of another.

Well, okay then. That did it. Poor man. He obviously had some issues with delusion. The necklace was a beauty though, that was for sure. She had never seen anything remotely like it, ever. Except for the Hope diamond which was pretty in a different way. It always amazed her how the owners sent the Diamond to the museum. She read they shipped it in a plain brown wrapper with no insurance…nothing. What would have happened if it got lost? Rich people do crazy shit and this guy looked like he was well on his way to being crazy too. She shook her head sadly and turned around to get a contract for him to look over. It was getting late and it was better to get this business finished as soon as possible.

Of course, Biddle & Bailey’s stout rules bobbed through her mind, once more. Rule number one: Never ogle the consigners’ belongings. Just broke it.

Rule number two: never touch, try on, or lust after consigners’ valuables. We at Biddle & Bailey are better than that.

Unfortunately, she found herself contemplating breaking that one as well. Dang it! She took a breath and plastered on her best: I am a professional smile again, and turned around.

The contract slipped from her fingers and floated to the ground. A chill swept through her body.

He was gone—gone!

Where did he go? An uneasy feeling gathered in the pit of her stomach. She tried to come up with a simple explanation for his sudden disappearance. Maybe he was related to Ned: Speedy Gonzales II—right, she didn’t believe that.

Katherine’s eyes zeroed in on the necklace that was still on the top of the desk. The cold dark marble, the perfect backdrop for the fiery stone. It sparkled like liquid fire.

She stole glances at it like she did with Dane and Candy, always pretending not to look, but keeping it within sight. Surely, he would be back in just a moment, especially if it held all that mystical mumbo jumbo he claimed it held.

A sneaky little voice inside of her head whispered, It would only take a moment to try it on.

Katherine looked at the necklace with longing as her little voice dared her to touch it. She knew it was against policy but what could it hurt, really? Her hand inched forward, shaking.

It was just a necklace for goodness sake. Maybe it was the story the man told her… but more than likely she had gone over her limit of caffeine for the day. Maybe the cup she dumped on her blouse earlier had seeped into her body through her pores, which was more believable than the necklace being the cause.

She looked around.

The coast was clear.

Her little sneaky voice whispered again… Do it. Do it. The words stuck in her mind like a bad record caught on some sticky substance from a long forgotten party.

She gave in to her little voice and snatched the necklace from the desktop. In one fluid motion, she fastened it around her neck. She did not think about the consequences of her actions or that she knew she was breaking another one of Biddle & Bailey’s stout rules. Or, if she were caught, she would surely lose her job. None of it seemed to matter right now. The moment it hit her skin, she felt a jolt. Like she had been scuffing her feet across the rug and had built up a huge amount of static electricity.

Grasping the necklace, she held it against her chest. Why did the Knight go to such lengths to bring the girl back and where did she go?

The stone grew warmer in her hand. Her mind flashed to a time that was not her own, to a place she had never seen before…

FLASH♦ KING ARTHUR’S REALM

The Age of Chivalry

Purplish hues ran through the trees, falling across the carpeted floor of a forest. The smell of pine and earth hung heavily in the air, as if it had just rained.

Two riders appeared.

The man in the lead was formidable, a force to be reckoned with, a knight. His long cloak billowed out past the flanks of his massive horse. A battle scar marred the otherwise perfect coat.

A young man followed stealthily behind, his squire. The horse’s hooves made a soft clomping noise on the needles of pine. White steam swirled in the air, rent from the flaring nostrils of the massive beast’…

A high-pitched ringing filled her ears. It was terrible. She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her fingers to her temples. The sound ebbed away, taking the pain with it.

She reopened her eyes.

A cloaked figure now stood in front of the Knight.

Dark clouds hovered above, roiling. The wind gained momentum, howling through the trees. The squire’s horse reared in the air, dancing backward.

The person in the cloak removed their hood. Hair, dark as night tumbled in waves down her back.

All color drained from the handsome Knight’s face. He looked like he had just seen a ghost.

The forest went completely still. Seconds turned to minutes as they stared at one another.

Recognition finally flitted across the Knight’s face. Stepping forward, he grabbed the girl into his embrace and threw his head back, laughing. It was a deep, resonating sound. It was heartfelt… full of promises kept… dreams realized.

He pulled away for a moment, staring at her.

Katherine could see what he let the girl see, he let her see to his very soul.

Taking the girl’s face in his hands, he leaned forward and lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her in such a way it made Katherine’s own heart ache watching them.

This love they shared with one another was the one that everyone dreams of... the one that fills you so completely nothing else matters.

Katherine felt like an interloper. She clutched the amulet tighter… thinking if the love they shared was ever lost… their world would never be the same.

As if in response to her morose imaginings, the winds blew harder, the trees swayed, and the girl began to fade away.

The Knight was yelling to whoever was causing this great pain