Meryle and Lancelot's Adventures: Quest 4: Meryle and Lancelot's Adventures, #4

By Genevieve Leanne Dominguez

Quest 4: The Interim Queen.

When Meryle and Lance arrive in Avalon, they discover that the queen has died. Vivian, Lance's mom, asks for their help in satisfying the demand for an Interim Queen. As they accomodate her request, Meryle and Lance grow closer and begin a relationship, but they are unable to enjoy their newfound status as a couple. Minka, Meryle's best friend, is hiding a shocking secret that will disrupt all of their plans...including Merlin's plan for Camelot. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Genevieve Leanne Dominguez
• Release date: Aug 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223553311

Genevieve Leanne Dominguez

Genevieve Leanne Dominguez lives in Georgia. She earned a B.A. in English from the University of Central Florida in 2020. She was born and raised in Texas and has also lived in Nevada and Illinois. She likes fantasy and romance books, but she'll also read an intriguing mystery... She loves werewolves, shopping, the autumn season, rainy days, and pizza. She also loves it when readers reach out to her, so feel free to DM her on Instagram! (@indieauthor_gen)

Book preview

Chapter 1

Lance’s firm grip of my hand and the shuffling of our footsteps on the narrow, gritty path helps me stay awake. He ducks to avoid a group of stalactites and I lower my head, turning back at the same time to check on Minka. She smiles weakly but holds up our horses’ reins, indicating she hasn’t loosened her grip.

It was noon when we entered the cave, but I’m guessing it’s evening now. This is the longest entrance to Avalon, but it was the closest one.

We pass another opening that promises sunshine, comfort, and food. Underneath a bright sky are lemon trees and blueberry bushes scattered throughout a field of fluffy light green grass.

I understand now why no one has been able to locate Avalon. Anyone clever enough to find a pathway wouldn’t survive its traps. If it hadn’t been for Lance’s warning, I would’ve seriously considered one of these openings to be the doorway. They all look so peaceful and comforting, especially after walking for hours in a musty, humid cave, but I know all of them lead to a steep fall.

I inhale the aroma of sweet citrus and fresh dirt and wipe the sweat off my forehead with my free hand. I tried casting a spell to keep us cool, but Lance reminded me that any magic from our world became null as soon as we stepped into the cave.

He told me so much about Avalon on our journey here, but only one thing bothers me: Humans, even ones with magic, are forbidden to visit. He’s assured me he’ll be able to convince the queen to let me stay for a night. I’ve tried staying positive, but everything he’s told me reinforces that they don’t deviate from their rules; Avalonians protect their own before anyone else. The only reason Lance was granted permission to stay was because he was a baby when Vivian found him.

Look! We’re almost there. Can you see the light? he exclaims. Not too far ahead is a beam of light shaped like a rectangle. It takes me a few seconds to realize it’s the outline of a door.

Yay! Just a few more minutes, Minka says. Lance smiles, but it’s not the kind I’m used to seeing from him. He’s been like this ever since she asked him about Camelot. After he told her he was uncomfortable with talking about the work he does, she switched to her next set of questions without missing a beat, but he hasn’t let his guard down since then.

Hot air rushes by the side of my face and a stream of fire lights our path. Lance chuckles and shakes his head in amusement as Sizzle screeches in delight. He’s also been more withdrawn since Minka arrived. This is the first time I’ve seen him shoot fire while she’s awake.

When we reach the door, Lance begins searching for something. I call on lightning and a small ball materializes in my hand. I sigh quietly, relieved that Avalon doesn’t completely make me powerless. I wonder how this can be until I recall one of the first lessons