“Open a keg, Colin. Ale for everyone!” More cheers and I finally picked up my skirts and walked inside.
Lady Anne was coming down the steps from the tower, her cheeks flushed. “Did you really kill the pirate queen?”
“I don’t know. I managed to hit the leader of that group with my arrow. It stopped them, anyway. Let’s go to your solar. I imagine we’ll find out from Jeremiah and the captain what happened once the pirate ships retreated.” I followed her up. “You did well.”
“I was terrified.” Anne went straight to a decanter and poured two glasses. She handed me one. “We should toast. I think we actually won!”
“Yes, it seems so.” I raised my glass and touched the rim to my lips. I inhaled then tasted the fine liquor and wished I dared drink. Instead I walked to the window and managed to spill most of it outside without Anne seeing me do it. “I hope you hit a pirate with your boiling water.”
“I doubt it, but it made me feel useful.” Anne laughed and sat in front of the fire.
I realized it was the first time I’d heard her laugh since I’d met her. She was really very pretty. Now if I could get her out of her blacks, she might learn to live again.
“You were useful. The pirates thought they would catch us by surprise. I’m sure some of them kept the king’s troops busy at the beach while the others came here. This must be how they managed to steal so much from the castle before. It won’t work now that we’re on to them.” I set the goblet on the table.
“That was so much better than cowering in that dark room.” Anne was almost giddy as she downed her drink.
“I admit I was scared. I’m surprised I managed to hit anything with my arrow. Valdez has sent a spy to find out if I killed her or just injured the woman.” I looked out at the night sky where the full moon rode high. It was still early evening. “We will have to wait to find out.”
“I hope she’s dead.” Anne flushed. “That sounds very bloodthirsty of me, doesn’t it? I don’t care. She has taken too much from us here.”
It was much later when Valdez came back with a report. He had managed to land on the pirate ship where he could hear them working over the leader. My arrow had done serious damage to the woman’s shoulder. She had bled quite a bit but they had managed to save her. Once he’d learned that much, Valdez had gone back to where the king’s men were celebrating a win over the pirates at the beach. The troops had fought well. They had no idea there had been another attempt at the castle before the pirate ships had retreated.
Jeremiah came in dirty and elated, ready for a quick bath before he told me about his night. When it came time to hear how mine had gone, he stared at me with new respect.
“You wounded the pirate queen? She brought men with her to attack the castle?”
“Yes, I made a lucky shot.” I had bathed before Jeremiah got home and lay in bed waiting for the dawn. “Valdez shifted and boarded her ship. He confirmed that she didn’t die but was sorely wounded.”
“She was clever, dividing her forces like that. We underestimated her.” He paced in front of the fire wearing only a drying cloth. “We’ll not do that again. The next time she raids, we will leave a force with you here.”
“That would be wise. But it will be a while. Valdez claims she won’t have the use of her arm for a long time, if ever.” I was boasting, but why not? “You should have seen me, Jeremiah. I was trembling, terrified I would miss. But I stood there, the drawbridge between us, and took aim. It’s a wonder that I managed to hit the mark.”
“Amazing.” He threw off the cloth and climbed into bed.
I couldn’t tell what he really thought of that. His face was serious. Was he angry that I hadn’t hidden away as he’d asked me to? Had disobeyed his order to Valdez? Surely Jeremiah knew by now that I wasn’t a meek woman to be stuffed in a little room and locked away.
“Are you proud of me?” I hated that my voice had become coaxing.
“You could have been killed. Who is to say she didn’t have an archer of her own, his arrow trained on your heart?” He ran a fingertip over my breast to where my heart beat slowly in the vampire way. “I didn’t bring you here with me so you could risk your life, Gloriana. I’ve a good mind to send you straight back to Edinburgh.”
“What?” I sat up straight. Of course, I was naked. I knew he might be upset with me and had prepared to cozen him. Oh, why was I bothering? He should be proud. I was his warrior woman, wasn’t I? Damn him for an overprotective beast.
“I mean it, Gloriana. Are you aiming to become like that pirate bitch, parading around in britches and leading a pack of men on raids?” He sat up, his hands in fists. “I won’t have it. You put yourself in danger. Arrows are made of wood, damn them. The right kind of wood and, if one finds its way into your heart, you are dead, Gloriana, as surely as if you’d been staked. I would lose you. Just. Like. That.” He wouldn’t look at me, just slammed his fists onto the bedcovers.
“No, you wouldn’t lose me, Jeremiah. I promise. Like it or not, you will be stuck with me forever.” I crawled over to kneel in front of him. “Stop this. You know what and who I am. Let me be the woman I chose to be or I will choke from your tight hold.”
“I have to hold you tight.” He drew me to him and buried his face in my hair. “You might get away from me. Others have.”
“I will not.” I kissed his shoulder. “Did you lose someone today?”
“A lad from the village back home. I will have to write to his mother.” He lay back and stared at the ceiling. “It will be a hard loss for his family. I tried to keep him back from the fighting but he wanted to show off his bravery. It was foolish and I took no joy in killing the pirate who took Danny’s life.”
“I’m sorry, Jeremiah.” I lay beside him and held him. “You knew there would be losses. This is war of a kind.”
“It never gets easier.” He rolled me under him and kissed me. “I have seen too many battles, Gloriana, and seen how they can go wrong. I don’t want you in one. You were lucky this time. It is unlikely you will be so lucky a second time.”
“I know.” I stared into his dark eyes. “Write your letter and I will write mine. I’m going to ask Maggie if she will come to serve us again. That should bring Fergus back to your side.” I smoothed the line between his brows. “You need a friend, I think. Fergus was a true one.”
“Yes, and I miss him. I will add my plea to yours. I’m sure the Turnbulls are not being kind to Maggie, a mortal surrounded by that family. Fergus loves her enough to please her by coming here, I’m sure of it. He is bound to be restless there as well. He is not used to a dull domestic life. They will be a fine addition to our household.” Jeremiah finally smiled. “Clever girl. You always know just what I need.”
“Do I?” I ran a hand down his body. “Let’s see if that’s true.”
By the time sunrise hit us, we were both feeling better. Had we resolved our feelings about my efforts to play the warrior? No. But at least we had help coming. A friend for each of us. What could possibly be a problem with that?
5
T he group that arrived from Castle Campbell a few weeks later was certainly different from the one we had expected. At the front of a train that included wagons and a carriage was Laird Campbell himself, Jeremiah’s father, riding a horse of fine quality.
“Da, welcome. Is Ma with you?” Jeremiah and his father pounded each other on the back as they hugged. Then Jeremiah looked anxiously past the laird at the carriage.
“Certainly not. I am sure neither Gloriana nor you would welcome her. Magdalena went too far this time and I told her so. I heard she sent an assassin after your woman.” Angus Campbell stepped back. He looked very much like his son. He’d been turned vampire in his late thirties so he had a few strands of silver in his dark hair. But he was a handsome man who seemed in the prime of life. Of course, he would always be that way.
“She did. He almost succeeded, Da. I cannot imagine how I will ever forgive Ma.” Jeremiah looked grim. “
You swear you had nothing to do with it?”
“Of course not. I liked Gloriana from the moment I met her and tried to welcome her into the family. I never wished her harm.” The laird smiled at me. “Isn’t that true, my dear?”
I couldn’t deny he’d always been kind to me. “Yes, it is. Welcome, Laird Campbell.” I gave him a proper curtsy.
“Gloriana, you are certainly in looks.” The laird took my hand. “I am glad to see you.”
I appreciated his approval of me but was still slightly uneasy around him. I wondered if he couldn’t have done more to control his wife. She had tried to have me killed!
Jeremiah gave me a look that meant I should let the subject drop. I didn’t like it, but this man was his father and he was obviously here eager to see his son.
“Well, Da.” Jeremiah glanced at me then back at his father. “What brings you here?”
“Why to see how my son has prospered of course. Guardian of the Coast and a baron in your own right! The reward the king bestowed on you was the talk of Edinburgh.” The laird was beaming as he looked around.
“You know Robert MacDonald was involved in that business.” Jeremiah leaned close to his father. “I’ll not soon forget how he made a fool of me. Not that I wanted a bride selected by the king.”
“We’ll not discuss the MacDonalds and ruin this fine night.” The laird lost his smile. “I told your mother I was coming to see you and that I was sure she wouldna be welcome here. Castle Campbell was not big enough for both of us.” He cleared his throat. “I hope you will not be cross with me, son. I did not come alone but brought along a lady I esteem highly.”
“Lady?” Jeremiah frowned. “Da, did you bring along your mistress?” He shook his head. “Yes, I am angry with Ma, but to ask me to entertain your mistress seems unwise. You know Ma will hear of it.”
“I’m sure she already has. I made no secret of my special companion while I was in Edinburgh. Your mother lost my respect when she treated Gloriana so shabbily.” The laird stared at his son. “Jeremiah, you are a man of the world. Treat my lady kindly or I will go right back to Edinburgh this very night.”
“What do I care for Ma’s good opinion? Bring her on.” Jeremiah reached for me and pulled me closer. “Da, Gloriana is not my wife, but I expect you to treat her with great respect as well.”
I could only gape at both of them. What kind of family flaunted their mistresses? I’d already seen it when Jeremiah had insisted I go with him to Castle Campbell. Now his father was making a show of taking his own mistress everywhere. At least Jeremiah didn’t have a wife at home, embarrassed by his actions. What did Mag think of this? I really couldn’t care after what she’d done to me.
“Dear Gloriana.” The laird bowed and kissed my hand. “I should have said it immediately. I apologize for my wife’s behavior. I have never shared her opinion of you. I am glad my son has found a woman he loves.” He cleared his throat and dropped my hand.
“Now I certainly mean no disrespect to you or my son by bringing my mistress here. I hope you will like her and treat her as a friend. I should think you both would agree my wife never bothered to be kind to you, Gloriana, and has done far worse than merely disrespect you.” He paused while he let that sink in.
“You are right. Laird Campbell. I am pleased you decided to visit us.” I smiled. I knew the laird to be a kind man who had accepted me at first glance. Now I knew why. He’d found happiness with his own mistress. I could not blame him. Mag was a cold woman. Angus Campbell deserved someone who would be kind to him. I hoped he had chosen well.
“My sweetheart is a fine woman, a widow such as yourself, Gloriana. She has stolen my heart. Give her a chance and I believe she will steal yours.” He glanced back. “Here she comes now.” He gave his son a warning look.
“Da, I know better than to judge you on this matter.” Jeremiah squeezed my hand. “As she said, Gloriana and I are happy to see you and whomever you bring with you.”
I was dying of curiosity. The laird with a mistress. Oh, yes, I would be kind to her, whoever she was, and make her my friend, if only to spite Jeremiah’s mother.
The woman who emerged from the carriage threw back her black velvet hood and smiled. She was short and curvy, barely reaching the laird’s shoulder. She had masses of dark hair. Her bright green eyes glimmered with excitement.
“Florence, my love, may I make you known to my son, Lord Jeremiah Campbell, and his lady, Madame Gloriana St. Clair?” The laird took her hand and pulled her forward. “This is Madame Florence daVinci. We met in Italy some years ago and she was kind enough to fly to Edinburgh to meet me last week.”
The woman made a deep curtsy, as if we were royalty. I couldn’t resist, I matched it, then laughed. “Please, treat us as family. Welcome.” I held out my hand and the woman took it.
She had flown. My vampire senses had already told me what Florence was. Leave it to the laird to find a vampire mistress who could shape-shift and fly a long distance, I was sure, just to meet him. I was impressed already.
“Oh, you are too kind.” She smiled and looked up at the laird with stars in her eyes. “Angus, your son is as bello as his father, am I right?”
“If you say so, my love.” Angus put his arm around her tiny waist. “Shall we go in?” He was looking around, assessing the holding his son had acquired. Thank the gods the drawbridge had been fixed and the courtyard was tidy. Men were practicing their sword craft in one corner of the yard while the delicious smells of cooking filled the air. The moat was still fresh and the evening meal had just ended. The workers who were in sight were dressed neatly and doffed their caps before going about their business.
“The king was generous, I see. You did well, son.” Angus stopped to admire the stables while making sure his horse was put away properly and to his liking.
Jeremiah walked beside his father, describing the number of men sent with him and the problems he had faced so far. I continued on to the castle steps.
“Madame daVinci, I am sure you are tired from your journey. Come inside and I will see about rooms for you and the laird.” I had no idea where we could put them. I could only hope Lady Anne was still in the great hall after the evening meal. It had been too easy to leave the running of the castle to her while I played at shooting my arrows and learning to wield a sword.
“I told Angus he should have sent word we were coming. But, no, he wanted a surprise.” The woman touched my sleeve. “I hope you are not unhappy we are here. Angus told me what that Magdalena did to you. Pah! You must hate the Campbells!” Her eyes were bright and I caught just a glimpse of fang.
“Just the one Campbell. Angus is most welcome. I am glad for company, if you must know.” I was relieved when I spotted Lady Anne in front of the fire directing one of the maids. “Jeremiah is proud to show his father what he is doing.” I was proud as well. Maggie and Fergus hadn’t arrived yet but Lady Anne had been busy. The great hall was impressive, clean and orderly with a roaring fire in the hearth.
Jeremiah came in behind us and led his father to introduce him to Captain Burnett who lingered at the table. Soon the men were deep in conversation.
“Lady Anne, may I present Madame Florence daVinci, a guest of Laird Campbell, Lord Campbell’s father. They will be staying with us for a while.” I had never been lady of the manor and it was showing. I had found better quarters for Mercy, near mine, but hadn’t explored the castle like I should. It was a large place with four towers, not just the bathing one Jeremiah and I loved so much. Housekeeping had never interested me, but Lady Anne clearly was enjoying putting the place to rights.
She had been a different woman since we’d sent the pirates running. She was even wearing colors now, dresses that were a bit out of date, but pretty enough. They were obviously what she’d worn before her husband had been killed. Now she ripped off her apron, no doubt thinking about which room would be considered proper for the laird. Should we put him with his mistress? Or give her a room of her own? Thank the
gods Lady Anne knew exactly how to manage things.
“Guests!” Lady Anne smiled. “It has been so long since we entertained.”
“Um, yes. Madame daVinci, this is Lady Anne McGee, widow of the former Guardian of the Coast. She has kindly stayed on to help run this castle.” I wondered what Lady Anne would think when our guests didn’t attend a banquet or even eat while they were here. They would also be happy to sleep the day away as we did.
Madame daVinci’s court curtsy came out again. “An honor to meet you, my lady. Please go to no trouble for me, capisci? Whatever schedule you have for Lord Jeremiah and his Gloriana will be the same for the laird and me.” She pulled out a silk fan that made Anne and me gasp at its beauty.
“I know this is not a place for balls and such. It will be fine to enjoy the country. We will not stand on ceremony, will we?” She waved the fan toward each of us. “You should both call me Florence. I hope we will be friends, eh?”
“It will be no trouble, I assure you. Welcome.” Lady Anne curtsied. She was obviously noticing Florence’s very expensive clothing and jewels. Our visitor had thrown back her velvet cloak and we could see she wore a dress that would have been perfectly acceptable in King James’ court. It was so pretty, I wished I could have ripped it from her and tried it on. Hah! I would have burst it at the seams.
Envy tugged at me. She was vampire, so this friendly Florence would be forever small, a size that made men want to keep her wrapped in furs and showered with jewels. Foolish of me to be jealous. I had beautiful clothing and Jeremiah gave me whatever I wanted. I should be happy with what I had. Too bad I felt like one of the laird’s lumbering oxen compared to dainty Florence as we tripped up the stairs. A shame that I wore a plain ordinary dress today for my sword practice. Yes, I was a drab lumbering ox.
Lady Anne led Florence up the stairs, actually speaking Italian with her. I was left out of the conversation. Fine. Now I was ignorant too. My steps slowed.
Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates Page 6