“You should have killed Felipe when you had the chance.”
I tried to ignore her alluring scent.
Just a sip of her blood. Do it for her.
I tried to resist the lie of my own desire.
Miranda blinked long lashes. “What does it feel like to be immortal?”
“I don’t actually believe that part.”
“Do you know how seductive you’ve become?”
“I’ve not had much time to think about it.” I laughed at her ridiculous statement.
“Make me into what you are.”
“This is a curse.”
“Turn me.”
“This thing, whatever it is, has made me do terrible things.”
“What like?”
“Being like this, it’s not what you think.”
“But you’re perfect now.”
I smiled. “I was perfect before.”
“You’ll live forever.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You’ll never grow old.”
“How do you know all this?”
“My husband traveled to Transylvania.” Her eyes widened. “He brought back documented evidence . . .”
“Show it to me.”
“And you’ll turn me?”
“Don’t ask me that.”
“How is it done?”
I’m not staying like this. I will find a cure.
“I’m childless. I’m ageing.” Her voice softened.
“Never discuss this with my sister, do you understand?”
“I’ve thought it through.”
“You’ve always been so kind to me and to my family.”
“Then repay me.” She flicked strands of hair away from her neck and with her hand on the back of my head, guided me, and my lips rested against her soft skin, my fangs grazed her. My thumb brushed along the lace of her bodice, lingering over the material, eliciting the very moan from her that I needed to hear.
Miranda’s fingernails dug into my back.
With willpower that I didn’t know I had, I pulled away and whispered, “Soon.”
Chapter 26
A BALMY AUGUST NIGHT, the fullest moon suspended low, hauntingly illuminated the night sky.
Alone, I lingered on the Palos boardwalk, staring up at the largest ship docked in the harbor, the Santa María. A few sailors scurried about, making their way back to their ships from land leave.
Last night, it had been difficult to pull myself away from Jacob. The evening had been fraught with emotion. Later, I’d described my evening to Sunaria.
She listened quietly and then cast a stern glare. “You’ll turn no one.”
I wondered how it was even done. When I felt Sunaria’s gaze, I turned my thoughts to the task at hand.
Safe in the shadows, blending in with the other tourists, I considered the famous ship. The crown had paid for the Santa María’s refurbishment, ensuring an extraordinary, custom-made 100 foot long, sea worthy vessel. The sails were undergoing their last minute adjustments.
Under the command of its captain, Christopher Columbus, the Santa María would undertake the expedition to locate new territory. Columbus had been sanctioned by the crown, sponsored by Isabella I Queen of Castile. He would become viceroy of all territories he located. The land would be taken in the name of Spain, by the queen’s trusted courtier, her finest diplomat.
The Santa María, scheduled to set sail later that night, would be escorted by the Pinta and the Niña, the two smaller caravels commanded by the Pinzon brothers, Alonzo and Vincent Yanez, both reputed to be successful fishermen, and master navigators. The two boats floated close to the Santa María.
As though out of nothing, Sunaria appeared by my side. Having just fed, she was lulled a little. My hunger would not be sated. I wanted to stay sharp.
Her gaze fell on the small rowboat that bobbed close to the ships. The two sailors aboard gestured to the crew of the Pinta. Within minutes, they’d loaded a good supply of ale and rum aboard. The sailors then steered their boat toward the Santa María. Eager sailors leaned over the balustrades, calling out for their free booty. The boat made its last delivery to the Niña.
I glanced at Sunaria. “A gift from you?”
She gave a sly smile.
Twenty young girls, the prettiest harlots, gathered near the pier and then dispersed, a few to each vessel.
“That’s what you meant by a distraction?” I asked her.
She nodded.
On all three boats, the girls were met by gleeful soldiers with open arms.
I smiled. “Nice.”
* * * *
Two hours later, I boarded the Santa María.
Columbus dined on land having his last fresh meal, unaware that his sailors partied hard.
With the utmost stealth, I made my way unseen to his stateroom. Columbus kept an organized office. A broken compass lay on the navigational table, along with several rolled up maps. The compass had sentimental value no doubt.
Whispers carried into Columbus’ private quarters. From his officer’s conversations, I picked up that they trusted his navigation, though from the crew below deck came grumblings of their master’s stubbornness. He’d gotten them lost on several occasions. Last minute jitters, perhaps, before setting out to prove that the world was indeed round. The fact that they may also arrive in hostile lands had them rattled. If they set eyes on the broken compass, they’d probably leave the ship.
He had extensive maps of islands in the Bahamas, crisply revealing their newness. Despite my fascination, I had to pull myself away. I folded them up and placed them back in their original position.
All accept one.
Columbus’ working compass rested on a side table next to his bunk. Beside it lay a small collection of Bibles. I peeked inside the most ornate one, and read. “God’s speed.” Her Majesty Queen Ferdinand had signed and dated it, August 1492.
Remembering Sunaria’s warning of how religious artifacts could affect us, I dropped it back onto the table.
Checking that the way was clear, I headed out.
Unbearable heat in the ship’s galley and a lingering odor of sweat, salt, and something indeterminable, made me gag. I wondered how the sailors could stand both that and the cramped conditions. There, in the corner, was the chain that secured the anchor. After half an hour, I’d made a fine incision, invisible to the human eye.
Voices alerted me to someone heading in my direction. A young sailor had invited one of the harlots down into the galley. I waited until they were in the throes of passion then slid away, unseen and unheard, having completed my mission.
Once onboard the Niña, a boat even rowdier than the Santa María, despite being the smallest of the three vessels, I hid for a moment in the shadows. With the pathway clear, I climbed to the top sail and withdrew the knife and began to saw. Within minutes, I had cut a third of the way through the mast. I had no time to admire my handiwork, which all the way up there wouldn’t be noticed.
With that accomplished, I returned to The Captain’s Table Inn where Sunaria awaited me. I joined her in the corner. Sitting opposite, I reached for her hand. She pulled away. She was, after all, still dressed as a man. My gesture had gone unnoticed.
“It’s done,” I said.
“You have the map?” Sunaria asked.
I nodded.
She gave me that long stare of hers, her almond eyes taking me in. She melted and beamed at me, shaking her head.
“What?” I tried to read her.
Her smile faded. “He’s here.”
I turned in my chair to see Felipe in the doorway, and I rose and disappeared into the horde of rowdy sailors. Leaning on the bar near the door, I had a good view.
Haunted by memories of what Felipe had done, I tried to calm my rage, all the while trying to mingle in. When a sailor bumped my arm, I pretended I hadn’t noticed.
Felipe took the chair opposite Sunaria.
“You’re late.” Her gaze never left him.
“Is there a road I’m unfamiliar with?” Felipe crossed one leg over another.
“We don’t have much time.” She gestured for two ales.
Felipe pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.
She sighed in frustration. “Try not to look out of place.”
Felipe pursed his lips, annoyed.
“As you’re aware,” Sunaria lowered her voice, “Columbus has been commissioned to administer the teachings of the Holy Testament when he discovers new lands.”
“What of it?”
“Calm down. I need you focused.”
He gestured he was.
“Columbus is permitted to claim any country he encounters,” she continued.
Felipe cleared his throat. “He’s been granted one tenth of all precious metals that he finds.”
“His part of the bargain. But Columbus has other intentions.”
Felipe took a gulp from his ale. “Like?” He wiped away the moustache of froth.
She frowned. “When he finds land, he intends to not only claim it, but rule it.”
“Are you sure?”
She leaned back and folded her arms.
“But that’s heresy.” Felipe looked confused. “Columbus has no intention of spreading Christianity?”
“He’s a heretic.”
“He must be stopped.”
“We’re on the same page.” Sunaria feigned a sip.
“And the king wants me to prevent the ship from leaving?”
“Not exactly.”
He looked astonished. “The ship is to still set sail?”
“It is.”
“You’re not suggesting that . . . ?”
Sunaria pushed her cup to the side. “The king’s orders are clear. You’re to board the Niña.”
“But—”
“Spy on Columbus.”
“There must be someone more qualified.”
She dismissed his reply with a gesture. “The king trusts you.”
“I have duties to attend to back in Vigo.”
Sunaria tilted her head.
Felipe squirmed. “But I’ve never sailed before.”
“I must report back to his majesty.”
Felipe wiped his brow again.
“I understand that what is being asked of you is somewhat difficult.” She nodded knowingly.
“I’ll commission one of my men.”
“His majesty wants you and no one else. Vincente Pinzon, Captain of the Niña, will welcome you. The ship sets sail in an hour.”
“What shall I tell Vincente Pinzon?”
“That you’re on the king’s business. Hand him this.”
“What is it?”
“A royal warrant permitting you to board.” Sunaria gave him the forged document.
Beads of perspiration spotted Felipe’s upper lip.
Sunaria glanced around and then locked her stare back on him. “The king requested proof that I had accomplished my mission.”
“Which was?”
“Proof of your loyalty.”
“I’m their highnesses’ obedient servant.”
“As I am yours, Senator.” Sunaria pulled out a blank parchment and laid it on the table.
“What’s that for?”
“His majesty requests evidence.” Sunaria leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Dissent is everywhere.” She reached under the table. “For your journey, from his majesty.”
Felipe glanced at the bundle she offered and hesitated.
“Take it.” She gave a thin smile of reassurance.
He accepted the parcel of doubloons and shoved it into his coat pocket.
“No expense has been spared,” she said.
“That’s a lot of money.”
“You may use it for bribes, or whatever else. Your safety is the king’s priority.” She offered him a feathered pen and then glided a small pot of ink across the table.
Felipe stared at the paper. “I’m not going.” He leaned back. “I’m not qualified.”
“Per contra, you speak Spanish, French, and more importantly Italian. The language of the crew. And you have the king’s favor. He trusts you.”
“I need to speak with his majesty.”
“Turn around.”
Felipe followed Sunaria’s gaze that fell upon an unsuspecting, well-dressed businessman sipping on his ale at the bar.
“He’s here to ensure I do my bit and you do yours,” she said.
The man frowned, uncomfortable with Felipe’s critical stare.
Felipe spun round to face Sunaria again. “What will happen if I don’t get on that ship?”
“I’m not willing to put that to the test. Are you?” She slid the parchment closer to him. “In your note to his highness, clarity is important.”
Felipe glanced at the blank piece of paper.
“You’ll need this.” Sunaria offered him a velvet wrapped object.
Felipe eyed it suspiciously.
“For your protection.” Her voice was low, somber.
He peeled back a corner of the material and gawped at the tip of the small knife.
* * * *
A fresh sea breeze blew through the dock.
Within the hour, Sunaria and I lingered in the shadowy doorway of an inn that had long closed.
“Having friends ensconced at the royal palace pays off,” Sunaria said.
I shook my head. “Remind me never to piss you off.”
She snuggled into me.
“Seriously,” I hesitated and then continued. “You make a dangerous enemy.”
She peered up at me. “This was your idea.”
“So it was. Still, you’re executing it so well and yet you have the face of an angel.”
Our lips met and I kissed her leisurely. A man passed by and gave us a wary stare. He thought he’d caught two men at it. I burst into laughter, couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed like that.
We turned our attention back onto the Santa María, escorted by the Pinta and the Niña, as all three vessels set sail. Hundreds of spectators had gathered to watch the caravels launch. Columbus waved from the bridge. He cut a fine figure with his striking white beard and his traditional admiral’s coat. His intelligent blue eyes scanned the harbor and I wondered how a man of the sea could appear so light in complexion. His aquiline features provided an air of sophistication that reflected his Italian heritage.
A crew of ninety or so navigated through the harbor. Under the moonlit sky, the fleet reeled out its sails to full mast. Columbus wasn’t the only well-dressed man who offered a wave to the crowd. Felipe also bid the spectators goodbye from the bridge of the Niña.
Sunaria handed me the parchment on which Felipe had written his letter to the king. I smiled and tucked it into my coat pocket. Sunaria pressed her ear up against the inn’s door.
“What do you hear?” I asked.
“Nothing.” She worked the lock until it gave.
Stale beer mixed in with sweat permeated the air and candles had burned down to the wick, leaving waxy stains. During the day, this place would be buzzing, now though it passed for a dreary hiding place for us.
With my arms folded, I browsed the long oak bar. “We’re not staying, are we?”
“I owe you.”
“An apology?” I asked.
“A punishment.” Sunaria shoved me back against the wooden panel and flipped me up and onto the bar.
I caught my breath as I stared up at the beer mugs lined above my head. Sunaria leaped onto the bar and straddled me. She grabbed my wrists, pressing my hands down on either side of my head.
I smiled up at her.
“No more talking.” She held my wrists with one hand and pressed a long finger against my lips. “Punishments come in many forms.”
I opened my mouth to reply but knew better. I tugged my wrist from out of hers and reached for her.
The sting of her slap across my face caused me to flinch. I placed my hand back beside the other, retu
rning to a captive pose. Her calm expression never wavered. I tried to work her out, recall how the evening had unfolded, remember if at any time my behavior had been out of line, but I sensed that this might be another way that Sunaria expressed her power over me.
With a rip, my shirt came open. The bite came without warning
Silence challenged me to a duel and I knew the inevitability of losing. My jaw tensed as I envisioned where she might take this. Again a moment of nothing, only stillness, cruel anticipation and then that familiar sensation, bedazzled me, sending me closer to the edge each time.
I bit down on my lip in order to stay quiet, hoping not to fail her.
I reached for her again.
Sunaria’s stare caused me to cross one wrist over the other again, silently swearing not to move until permitted. I wanted to ask if I’d insulted her, but as the pleasure increased and my reward for submitting spiraled, I doubted my own judgment. I counted the bronze cups on the ceiling, trying to prevent myself from ending this evening earlier than she or I desired.
Sunaria paused.
She slid off me and stood close, arms folded, a disapproving gaze.
The silence made me squirm and the minutes ticked past with her staring at me.
Sunaria hunted those weaker than herself and she took her prey swiftly. As I lay vulnerable, I wondered if I too would be numbered amongst her victims and for some warped reason that idea sent a thrill of excitement up my spine.
I grinned. A chance, but I felt willing to take it, had nothing to lose. My dignity was already compromised.
“Close your eyes.” Her voice quiet, reassuring even, but her stern presence revealed a fierce determination.
My grin was my answer that her request was out of the question and I turned my head away.
“I’ll not ask you again.” She spoke slowly, emphasizing her authority.
Remaining still now seemed like the next best option, until I had time at least to think. I may very well need to talk my way out of this. Surprisingly, the only part of me that seemed not to understand this threat was between my legs.
And as Sunaria settled back on top of me I found no choice but to relent.
This was the very image that I’d seen the day she’d turned me. When I’d followed that pathway, the choice that led to what I was now, she’d taken me this way, eased my transformation and I’d welcomed it, as I welcomed her now.
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