“Like I said, I aimed to petition the king, but there just wasn’t time. And after we sealed our agreement, there just didn’t seem much reason for it. You know the story from there.” He wrapped an arm about her shoulder and nuzzled her neck.
Puzzled by his words, she pushed him away. “What do you mean there was no reason for it?”
“Come on Esa. You’re a smart woman. Louis promised to relieve my father of his debt for the return of his treasure. Knowing I was the one who’d hidden it in the first place, do ye honestly believe he would have allowed me to live? He’s not like that. There’s not a merciful bone is his puffed up body. Sophia told me he’d not only signed my death warrant, but those of my family. And that’s why his Royal ass is locked away in the cabin.”
She felt the color leave her face. “You knew he was going to kill you when you handed over the diamond?”
“Aye,” he paused upon seeing the distress etched in her features. He hugged her to his side adding, “My entire family’s life was at stake, Esa. What would you have done? My father had something to live for. The family depends on him a great deal. I, on the other hand, had nothing but a failed marriage and a life of thieving to account for. I tried to make peace with God on the way to Guadeloupe, perhaps ‘tis why I was given a second chance—though I’ve gone and fouled that up as well. You don’t suppose I’ll get a third do you?” He winked. Although he made light of it, Esa saw the unspoken fear and uncertainty shadowing his smile.
What have I got to lose? His words rang in her ears. That’s what he’d meant when he’d addressed the guards. Why he hadn’t told her of his marriage. Why the divorce seemed a trifle thing in his departure.
Wiping away a stray tear, she asked, “How does the story end?”
Jaw squared, he swallowed and answered, “I wish I knew, my love.” He kissed her sweetly, toying with the hair that fell past her shoulders. “‘Tis only a matter of time before the kings’ men retaliate. They know who’s taken him.” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “They may try to collect my father and propose an exchange.”
He didn’t have to speak the words for her to know what he was thinking. The minute the king was handed over, Jacque’s life would meet its bitter end, as well as anyone found in his company.
“Come here.” He hopped down from the stack of trunks and pulled her with him, kissing her thoroughly before ushering her into the crew’s quarters, lowering her to the floor and making passionate love to her.
~ * ~
Just the thought of sending her away made Jacque’s heart want to stop beating. But, for her own safety he had to get her far away from his ship. For the life of him he couldn’t think of any place that would be safe enough until he could return.
The Royal Guard was probably beating down his father’s door this very minute. He lowered his head. There was just no other way around it. Her safety came before anything else.
The sound of booted feet on the main deck drew his attention. Mounting the stairs two at a time, he breathed a sigh of relief. It was only Rupert and Bo, two of his few loyal crewmen. He’d never been gladder to see the wayward pair in his life!
Bo was the first to notice Jacque when he came on deck. “Aye Cap’n, ‘tis everythin’ all right? Ye seem a might worrisome.”
“Nay, though there’s much to tell, time is of the essence and I need to ask a favor…”
~ * ~
“You can’t be serious—they’ll follow us! How far can you run Jacque? Just set him on the dock and let’s leave!” Esa ranted.
He halted mid-stride and turned to face her. “If ye have a better idea I’m all ears. Whether we sail with the king or not, we both know I’m a dead man. I’ll not risk your life too.” He placed a finger on her lips when she opened her mouth to argue. “At least this way, my family is safe and I’ll have some time to try and reason with His dishonorable Majesty.”
Within the hour Jacque, Bo, Rupert, Esa and the King of France had left the port and were headed out to sea. Esa was assigned the task of monitoring the king and preparing the small rations of food Bo and Rupert were able to gather before they sailed. The men remained somewhat unsettled having her onboard.
She removed the gag from Louis’ mouth in order to feed him the potato bisque and immediately wanted to return it.
Spouting a rainbow of adjectives, Louis’ face was red with rage. A vein popped out on his forehead, matching the two running down each side of his thick neck. “Are you not able to use your wiles to make the fool see reason? The man has an incredible amount of treachery piled against him already.”
Esa headed Jacque’s earlier warning and refused to speak to him. Instead, she plugged a hefty spoonful of soup into his mouth.
“And you, mademoiselle, shall meet with the same fate of your lover,” he spat between chews, soup spilling down his coat.
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you it’s not polite to talk with your mouth full?” She refused to ponder his words. Already, tears stung her eyes. He was right. Jacque could not keep him prisoner forever. Her heart swelled with a feeling of dread. Would Jacque really carry out his threat and kill the wretched king?
She flinched in attempt to keep her emotions in check. Unfortunately, the tremble of her lip did not go unnoticed.
Louis narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to one side. “Perhaps we could strike a bargain, mademoiselle?”
Esa didn’t dare open her mouth, only glancing up long enough to shovel more soup into the bothersome hole in his face.
“Talk to LaFleur, persuade him to see the error of his ways. I’ll consider a full pardon for you both. So long as he leaves France and promises never to return.”
She glared at him. What a deceitful swine he was. Though, she couldn’t blame him for trying.
“Think on it a while,” he encouraged. Swallowing the last bite, he smiled at her. “Wonder which ship he robbed those from?” He nodded toward the paintings on the floor. “They are exceptional, are they not? The artist’s use of color is captivating. I’ve never seen anything so remarkable. Indeed, Madame Pompadour would be pleased with the likes of such incredible works.” There was sincerity in his words.
“Yes, they’re incredible. No doubt about it, the artist has mastered his craft. Perhaps I could introduce you sometime?”
“You know the creator of these glorious masterpieces mademoiselle?” His eyes widened in wonder. “Of course, have a look at the signature and tell me what it says.”
“There’s no need for that. I already know the person responsible for such creativity.”
“Know him mademoiselle, as in he’s a personal friend of yours?”
She smiled and nodded cheerfully. “Um-hmm. You know him too.”
His brows furrowed. “Surely you’re mistaken, Cherie? Had I met such a skilled creature I’d not soon forget him, to be sure.”
She chuckled. “I’ll show you,” she retrieved the portrait Jacque had painted of her and held it up for Louis to inspect. “Jacque painted this before we arrived in France.”
“LaFleur?” His jaw fell slack. “LaFleur is responsible for this? Impossible!”
Esa snickered. Flipping the portrait to the reverse side, she placed it under his nose. “See for yourself.”
Cherif was scrawled artfully in the lower right hand side of the portrait. “Cherif? His-how can this be? Why did he never mention it?”
“He’s very modest when it comes to his talent. Says he only does it to pass the time. Your Madame Pompadour, I take it she’s someone you’d like to please?”
An amorous glow lit his face. “Indeed. A remarkable piece of work in her own right.”
“I’ll bet something that could immortalize such a rare woman would please her greatly. She’d probably fall at your feet and beg to do your bidding, as would anyone gifted with such a priceless treasure,” she threw in for good measure. Her heart took flight as she watched his brain work beneath a thoughtful brow.
“Mademoiselle, I implo
re you. Please tell LaFleur I need to speak with him at once!”
~ * ~
A disgruntled Jacque entered the cabin a short while later. What could possibly be so urgent? Esa hadn’t told him much, only bounced around gleefully as she pulled him away from the helm.
“Ye wished to see me, Your Majesty?” he sneered and eased his rear onto the table, one brow lifted in wait.
“Ah LaFleur! I think this voyage has been a well of good for me. And for you. You’re full of secrets, aren’t you my boy?”
Jacque remained muted. Eyes narrowed, he waited for him to continue.
“I wish for you to paint my portrait!”
Jacque erupted in laughter. “Ye want me to paint your…” His laughter subsided as an optimism filled his chest. “Well now, what would such a thing be worth to ye?”
The king snickered. “I’ll see the finished portrait before I quarter, LaFleur.”
Jacque hopped off the table and strode toward the door. “Hold LaFleur! Perhaps we can compromise a bit, eh?”
He returned to the table, arms crossed over his chest, head tilted slightly to the side. “Why should I believe a word that drips off your venomous tongue?”
“Touché, LaFleur. What say you we set aside our differences and start anew? I’m willing to forget everything that has transpired between us, and sign for ye Letters to prove it. I’ll release your father from his debt and your family can keep the profits from the vineyard.”
“And Esa?”
“I’ve no quarter with her.”
Jacque snorted and shook his head. “Ye think me an addled fool? You’ll hang us all the moment ye return to your Royal Court!”
“You doubt my word?” The smile left his face.
“I do. And not without reason.” Jacque returned the gag to Louis’s mouth to silence the vulgarities soaring from it. “Ye forget, Your Highness, that having stolen from enemy ships under your banner, I know how you work. Sophia told me of your treachery. You’ll promise anything to get what ye want. Say what ye will but in the end, you’re still the same cold ruthless bastard.”
Jacque slammed the cabin door with a bitter taste in his mouth and stormed past a concerned Esa.
“Well?” Esa asked having caught up with the ill-mannered corsair. Slack wrists waved in anticipation.
“The bastard wants me to paint his portrait. I wonder who could have put such a preposterous idea in the fools head?”
A sheepish grin flushed her cheeks. “Jacque, that’s wonderful!”
He turned troubled eyes to her. “Wonderful? I might agree with ye lass, had I not just kidnapped the man and insulted his honor. No, had I agreed to paint his portrait, the end result would be the same. Why is it so hard for you to see that?” He placed his hands on either side of her face and searched for a hint of understanding.
She sighed. Perhaps he was right. She just didn’t want to admit it. That would mean envisioning her renegade frigid and still in a wooden box and not fiery and full of life aboard his beloved ship. “I’m sorry. What are we going to do with him?”
He pulled her into his embrace and held her tight. Pressing his lips to the top of her head, he said, “I’ve yet to decide.”
She almost laughed. “You kidnapped the king of France without having a plan?”
He squeezed her as though to erase the worry from her mind. “I needed time. The Royal Guard no doubt reached the docks as soon as we left.” He took her firmly by the arms. “I don’t care what happens to me Esa, but God help me, as long as I have air in my lungs and wind in my sails, I’ll not allow any harm to come to you.”
“You can’t run forever Jacque. Where will we go? You have to release him when we reach the next port.”
“Release him? So he can return to France and slaughter my entire family? Christ woman!” He paused to get a grip on his rage. “No lass, contrary to your belief, I do have a plan…but you won’t like it.”
“What do you mean? What’s your plan? You’re not actually going to kill him?”
“No, I will return to France with the king and face the penalty for my actions. But not until I’ve seen you safely to England. There is a mission there—”
“What?” She had to hold onto him to keep the world from spinning.
“Aye lass, I cannot protect ye on French soil. Nor can I protect my family. But I can see to it that your life is spared.”
“No! I won’t do it. I won’t allow you to leave me alone in some godforsaken asylum while you go off to seal your doom! If that was your intent, you may as well turn this contraption around and go back now, LaFleur!”
“Merde! Why the devil must ye be so bloody difficult? Do you wish to die Esa? Do ye want to know what the king and his Royal guard do to women before they’re left to the fate of the hangman? I’ll hear no more on the matter! If I have to shackle you myself, you’re going to England and that’s the end of it.” With that, he turned away and thundered up the stairs.
“Like hell I will!” she hissed when he was out of sight.
~ * ~
Esa starred at the red scarf protruding from Louis’s mouth. Jacque wasn’t the only one that had a hidden agenda.
“I want you to know Jacque is truly an honorable man. He only acted the way he did in order to save me. Have you ever been in love, Your Highness?” He grunted, glaring at her through squinted eyes. “Put yourself in Jacque’s boots for a few minutes. If the woman you loved were in danger, wouldn’t you do everything within your power to keep her from harm?”
His eyes softened, had she struck a cord of understanding? She could only hope.
“I thought as much. Odd how love can turn even the sanest person into a common fool. Jacque has the utmost respect for you, Your Grace. In fact, it was my idea to kidnap you, not his.” She prayed her nose wouldn’t shoot out and knock him off his chair. Removing the scarf, she offered him a drink of water, which he guzzled greedily.
“Are you a man of your word, King Louis?”
“I should have your lovely head on a platter for uttering such a query.”
“Is that a yes then?”
“Strange speech you have, mademoiselle. And such raw boldness, to be sure! Perhaps you’ll tell me now where LaFleur managed to find such a unique treasure?”
“Jacque wants to return you, but fears for his life.”
“The treacherous thief deserves a fate far worse than death!”
“But you do like his paintings?”
“Indeed. Madame Pompadour would be pleased with such a gift.”
“What if you and Jacque made a deal? Man to man? You know, sealed in blood or something?”
“I’ve tried to deal with the headstrong ox. ‘Tis a most impossible task!”
“Would you be willing to sign a statement, swearing to spare his life and the lives of his family if he agreed to share his talent with you? You could make an arrangement with him. He could paint multiple works, whatever your heart desires…and just think of the money you could make,” she threw in recalling the man’s expensive gambling vice. “Everyone at court would insist on having their portrait painted, at a price set by His Majesty, of course.”
That remark seemed to capture his interest and Louis radiated enthusiasm. Where she’d been speaking softly in attempt to persuade him to spare Jacque’s life, the mention of money shouted and opened doors to the boundless possibilities of keeping her beloved privateer alive.
“How can I trust him to keep his part of our quarter?”
“Leave that to me.” She winked. “Let me just grab a sheet of parchment.”
“Parchment?”
“Protection. Remember? A full pardon. For Jacque and his family. I’ll even write it out and read it back to you before you sign.” His frown gave her cause for concern. “You will sign it won’t you?”
He didn’t give it a second thought. “Indeed.”
Jacque entered the cabin. His scowl told her he didn’t like the cozy atmosphere. “What’s this about?”
He raked a suspicious glare from her face and did as she asked. The table creaked beneath his weight.
“King Louis has agreed to a full pardon on your behalf in return for the use of your talent. He’d pay you for your services of course.” Esa glanced at the king and saw contempt move over stark features before he softened and nodded his agreement.
Jacque snorted. “Have ye gone addled woman? He’ll agree to anything while tied to a chair!”
“He’s willing to put it in writing.”
“Avast! After he’s killed the lot of us, the Letters will vanish easily enough!” He eyed the king sourly as though daring him to challenge the statement.
“‘Tis true enough. I could order your death LaFleur, though I do believe I’ve other uses for you. Divine, glorious uses, to be sure.”
Jacque still didn’t appear to be buying it. She convinced him to listen as they shared their idea, though when they’d finished, the guarded glower remained on his face. Without a word, he got up and left as though he’d never been.
When all was said and done, what did it really matter anyway? But if there was even a morsel of hope that he could save his family and return to Esa, he had to try, didn’t he?
A few hours later, both Jacque and Louis scrawled their signatures on the final draft of Esa’s letter, sealing their deal with a handshake.
The wily king was allowed his freedom to roam the ship.
Although Jacque watched him like a hawk scouting for prey.
Twenty Five
Esa squealed as Jacque chased her into the cabin. He locked the door and leaned against it, dark eyes narrowing as he considered his quarry. With the sleekness of a panther, he strode to where she stood in the center of the room and circled her. Approval and admiration oozed from his pores.
Hot breath near her ear sent a wave of desire down her back as he came to a halt behind her. “That’s a lovely gown you’re wearing.” He nipped her ear and she flinched as though hurt. “Take it off,” he added in a raspy whisper.
She didn’t have to be asked twice, especially since he had already unfastened half the stays before stripping off his own garments. He backed her against the wall, pressing kisses down her cheek, her neck, stopping to devour a budding breast. She moaned, as eager as he for another round of lovemaking. He lifted her just enough to allow himself easy access to her feminine folds and gave a beastly grunt when he was fully inserted in her moist warmth. The heat of him had the effect of a branding iron.
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