There was dancing after the table was cleared. The bride and groom led off a march to the sound of bagpipes, then danced a reel until the bride was breathless. They shared a glass of whiskey, a tradition here, then guests were encouraged to drink. The party got boisterous after that and the bride and groom disappeared. The king was in the middle of all of it. Jeremiah was right—Fiona was nowhere to be seen but Robert appeared and had stood next to the groom as his new father-in-law. What the young Duke of Argyll thought of this, I had no idea.
Jeremiah and I danced, did not drink whisky, but had a good time. Then I noticed him talking to the king. He disappeared with King James for a long while. Robert was also gone. I worried, but then was swept off my feet by one man after another. The heirs were making merry, enjoying the whisky and the occasion. They were respectful to me so I did not hesitate to dance with them when asked.
“No need to worry about Campbell, Madame.” One man confided. “The king values his counsel. He realizes the duchess embarrassed the lad. Must make it up to him.” The heir, I think it was MacLeish, squeezed my waist. “I say, you are a fine dancer. Look me up if Jeremiah is foolish enough to let you go.”
That was the first of three discreet offers I had. It was another reminder that I was temporary in Jeremiah’s life. None of those men would have dared insult me that way if I had been Jeremiah’s wife.
Insult? I decided to look at the conversations differently. I was in the best looks of my life and, as a vampire, that would never change. I had options. With no permanent ties to my lover, I needed to see these offers as a good thing. I should keep the door open to such opportunities. So I smiled and flirted and lifted more than one hand from my backside while Jeremiah took forever with the king.
When he finally emerged from his meeting, Jeremiah looked bemused. That was the only word for it. He was neither happy nor sad. Not angry either. Of course I couldn’t read his mind. Before I could stop him, he picked up a glass of whisky and drained it. Then winced and almost choked. But he managed it. What on earth?
“Jeremiah, darling, are you all right?” I stayed glued to his side as he looked around the Great Hall.
“I’m not sure. I wonder if I should talk to Bruce or MacLeish. Or…” He shook his head. “No, there is no point. What the king wants will be done, won’t it?”
“Do we need to go home?” I was worried about him. It was not like him to be indecisive.
“Might as well. There is no point in staying longer and I do want to lie with you properly this night.” He turned to me, looking me over. “You look very tasty, lass. I’m afraid you are in for it. I feel like I’ve just been handed my ass. I have the strong need to prove I’m still a man. Should I fly out of here and kill something before I take a chance that I might hurt you?”
“No.” I touched his chest. Yes, his heart was actually pounding. I could only imagine what the king might have said to him. “I can handle whatever you must do to prove yourself. Though you are in all ways a man to me. My man.” I took his hand. “Let us get out of here, shall we?”
I turned, not surprised to see Valdez just feet away. He’d been a brooding presence all evening, worse when Jeremiah had disappeared with the king. He hadn’t liked to see me on the dance floor with all those handsome men in kilts. But he’d had no choice but to let me be free with men he’d seen the master introduce me to during our visits to court. These were known Campbell allies. Valdez kept me in sight at all times though, I didn’t doubt that.
“We’re leaving.” I told him. “I know it’s early but fetch the coach.”
“Don’t bother. We’ll walk. I need to calm down before we get home.” Jeremiah nodded at Valdez. “Tell the coachman to just head home when he can and you can ride with him. We will meet you there. I can protect Gloriana without your help.”
“As you wish.” Valdez knew better than to argue, but I felt sure he would shadow us anyway.
It was on the tip of my tongue to argue. Walk home unguarded? Yes, Devlin was dead, but it was clear Jeremiah could still have enemies. What of those men who had sided with MacDonald when Fiona had made her claim? Then Jeremiah had talked of “ancient enemies” before, hadn’t he? He’d never explained. But perhaps he would welcome an attack this night. It would certainly help him prove he was “a man.” God, I hated that kind of thinking. As if he needed to prove anything to me.
We collected our cloaks and stepped out into the frigid air. It was too early for most to leave the celebration and the street was deserted. As vampires, we had no trouble seeing our way down the cobbled street. I admit I didn’t enjoy walking in the fine new shoes that matched my dress. Melting snow made the way slippery. I held onto Jeremiah, smiling up at him when he had to steady me on an icy patch at the edge of the road.
“Are you warm enough?” He frowned. “We should have waited for the carriage.”
“Nonsense.” I tugged him into an alley between two houses. “Come here and warm me.” I opened my cloak and pulled him against me. “Let me see if you are still a man.” I ran my hands over his kilt, shoving aside that heavy sporran. “I believe there are stirrings here. Whatever did the king say to you?” I kissed his neck then bit him lightly.
“I don’t want to talk about it just yet.” He groaned when I took him in hand. “You are a wicked woman and I love you for it.” Overhead a crow screeched. “What the hell?”
The bird landed and shifted into a man. Robert MacDonald stared at Jeremiah. “That is what I wanted to say in the king’s chambers not an hour ago. What the hell? I expected to find you just as upset as I am and yet here you are dallying with your mistress.”
“I am trying to distract him, Robert.” I backed away from Jeremiah, the mood spoiled. “Go away.”
“She was trying to distract me anyway.” Jeremiah pulled me close again. “She is right to tell you to leave.”
“What do you think of the king’s order?” Robert paced up and down the alley.
Jeremiah finally shoved me away from him. “What do I think?” He frowned. “That the king’s insistence that our clans ‘get along’ is madness.” He finally remembered to glance at the mouth of the alley. Valdez stood there, on guard.
“Aye. It wasn’t that long ago that my uncle Sean was found in a valley with a piece of Campbell plaid clutched in his dead hand.” Robert stepped closer. “Am I to forget that?”
“Could that have been after he stole our cattle and burned the crofter’s hut?” Jeremiah handed me his sword. “I lost a cousin and a brother last century when they fought to keep your clan from stealing our cattle.”
“Our cattle.” Robert handed me his sword. “Our bulls are the only ones in the Highlands that, when put to cows, make them drop calves with white faces.”
“Keep yer bull in a pen, you lazy ass, and you’d not have white-faced cattle from here to Loch Ness.”
“Keep yer cattle from wanderin’ onto our side of the mountain and we wouldn’t have to come fetch our calves.” Robert took a swing at Jeremiah. “Call me an ass, will ye?”
Jeremiah lunged at Robert, taking him to the ground. “I think if I killed you now, I wouldn’t have to deal with the king’s mad proposition.” He threw a punch that missed when Robert rolled from beneath him.
“What are you doing? Stop it!” I screamed and dropped both swords to the ground while the two hit each other, fists then blood flying. What was this, a way to prove their manhood?
“You think I want this anymore than you do?” Robert managed to gain his feet. “Share an island? The man is insane. We cannot share Scotland without trying to kill each other.”
“Exactly.” Jeremiah dove for Robert, knocking him back against the wall. “Tis better that we say nay now than to pretend to go along with the foolish scheme.” He gasped when Robert’s knee connected with his manhood.
“Say no to the king and you’ll wind up in a dungeon with your clan’s castle overrun by the king’s soldiers, Campbell lands seized by the crown. You know that.” Rob
ert laughed when Jeremiah doubled over. “Got you that time. Sorry, Gloriana, no loving for you tonight.”
“End this, both of you. Fighting never solves anything.” I hated the way Jeremiah seemed to be in so much pain. Then he suddenly straightened, slamming Robert’s head against the wall.
“Sure it does. Fighting ends wars, settles scores. It feels good too. Especially if you can bring the other bastard to his knees.” Jeremiah threw himself at Robert and they rolled on the ground, enduring another round of pounding each other until I wanted to scream again.
“Stop it right now. Explain to me what this is about. Other than cattle. What did the king demand?” I was relieved when they did stop. Both of them lay panting on their backs, their fine clothes ripped and ruined from the wet and mud of the alley. They wiped their bleeding mouths and noses with the backs of their hands and seemed to be trying to decide whether to continue the fight or not.
“The king wants us to live in harmony,” Robert managed to say before he spit out blood and what looked like a tooth.
“So he took a big island that is Argyll lands, part of Fiona’s dowry, and has declared we are to live there together and work together to save the kingdom from Irish pirates. As if MacDonald know aught of fighting pirates.” Jeremiah was still cradling his man parts and finally gagged, though he didn’t vomit. “God, MacDonald, I think my testicles are in my throat.”
“Perhaps Gloriana can tickle them down later.” Robert laughed weakly. “I know as much about fighting pirates as you do, Campbell.”
“Shut your stupid mouth about me and my lady.” Jeremiah crawled to his knees.
I stalked over to stand between them. “Don’t you dare start up again. Finish telling me what the king did. So far it sounds like an honor. Jeremiah, you are a warrior. This is something you can do and do well, no matter what Robert claims.”
Jeremiah sagged back to the ground. “Of course. His majesty will give me soldiers and ships aplenty and the funds to support them. If MacDonald weren’t part of it, I would be honored to be named Guardian of the Coast. But can you credit it?” He stared up at me. “We are to share the fucking island. Live side by side in peace or else.”
“Aye. We must come up with a plan to exist together or feel Jamie’s wrath. That was how he put it.” Robert had his finger in his mouth. “You’d better be glad that wasn’t one of my fangs you knocked out, Campbell. I can live without a back tooth.”
“As if I care.” Jeremiah managed a smile. “A fang. Now that would have been something great.”
Robert growled.
“No more fighting.” I kicked each of them, just a tap, but enough to get their attention. “That doesn’t sound so bad. Are there decent places for each of you to live on this island?”
“Actually, yes. Two fine castles. I had my man check when we saw what was included in Fiona’s dowry. That was before I knew I was going to share half of the blasted island. I have already picked my end. It has a fine keep and is closest to Edinburgh. His must be nearest Ireland and on the sea anyway. I will get a title that will suit Fiona’s status in a ceremony tomorrow. Earl of something or other. That honor will make her a countess. The king insists.” Robert smiled. “It comes with a handsome income.”
“Fuck your income. I will also get gold to soothe my wounded heart in losing Fiona to you. That is besides what I’ll receive to support the substantial number of soldiers and sailors under me. It is no small thing to command them and the ships.” Jeremiah smiled at me. “I am feeling better, my love. I am sure we will get the best part of this blasted island, see if we don’t. I would quite like a view of the sea. I will send my man to see what the keep is like and we can always improve it if need be. Would you fancy living there instead of at Castle Campbell?”
I kept a straight face, trying not to shout with my joy. I would fancy living anywhere, even in a hut on a mountaintop or at the gates of Hell, rather than at Castle Campbell. I dare not say it.
Robert laughed. “I don’t have to read her mind to see that Gloriana will be glad to be away from your parents, Campbell. Just as Fiona would certainly be happier anywhere but in the bosom of my vampire lot.” He crawled to his feet, spitting out blood one more time.
“It sounds like you both can look forward to high honors, gentlemen.” I struggled not to laugh out loud. Away from Castle Campbell. Oh, Mag would hate losing her son. And probably figure out a way to blame it on me. I didn’t care. The future was looking bright indeed. “I hope you are through fighting. The king has told you his wishes. Since you have no choice, make the best of it.” I held my cloak around me, tired of standing in the cold and worried about Jeremiah after that blow to his manhood.
“Very wise, Gloriana. I hope you can keep your man in check. He does have a temper.” Robert bowed and collected his sword.
“And you do not?” Jeremiah struggled to his feet and grabbed his own sword. “But she is right. We’d best avoid each other on this island. I hope it is vast.”
“Indeed. Now I need to check on my bride. The king sends possets for her, his personal physician, and even his old nanny with her home cures. Fi is about to go mad trying to deal with them.” Robert sighed. “She needs my support. I should hate her for her trick fooling me into this marriage, but I cannot.”
Jeremiah gave him a searching look. “You will be kind to her? As I told you, she is my friend and I am sworn to protect her.”
“No need to worry about Fiona. Not from me anyway, Campbell.” Robert shook his head. “We will be neighbors, Gloriana. So this is not farewell. The king will have spies to make sure the Campbells and the MacDonalds get along on our island. You and Fiona can become friends even if Campbell and I keep our distance.”
“I look forward to that, Robert.” I heard a growl from Jeremiah again. “Jeremiah will cooperate. He is fully aware of his duty to the king.”
“I am.” Jeremiah didn’t hold out his hand to his longtime enemy. There was no promise between them. Instead, Robert shifted and flew away, just like that.
“Are you truly feeling better, my love?” I was about to put my arm around Jeremiah’s waist when I realized how filthy he was. I stepped back.
“Yes. I’m sure a hot bath will fix me.” He grinned. “You will have that night you were looking forward to yet.”
“I can’t wait.” We walked down the street to the townhouse. I wasn’t surprised when Valdez appeared behind us. I was sure if either man had become a threat to me or if someone had approached who might have witnessed the fight, he would have intervened in the alley. Fortunately, that hadn’t happened. So my shifter told us good night and went to his own quarters until it was time for the dawn when he would have to take his post outside our bedchamber door.
Jeremiah took his bath and appeared in my dressing room just as I was putting away the last of my jewels. I had quite a collection now. If things changed, if something did happen to Jeremiah and we took a break as the witches claimed, I could live well for a long time on what I could sell them for. I hated the thought of parting with any of my pretty baubles.
He came up behind me, his hands on my shoulders where I sat in a dressing gown. Mercy had brushed out my hair before she left. First she’d cleaned out the brush and thrown my hair in the fire as I’d instructed. She’d given me a strange look, but hadn’t dared disobey.
Jeremiah pushed my hair aside to kiss the back of my neck. “What are you thinking?”
I wondered if I should tell him what the witches had said, that we would be together for a long, long time. Perhaps forever. No, it might make him feel trapped, without a choice. Instead, I turned to take his face in my hands.
“I was looking at all the things you have giving me for Yuletide. So many gifts! You are too generous.” I kissed his smile. “Thank you, Jeremiah. And don’t say I can take you to bed to repay you. That would be, um, demeaning.”
“I am sorry if you would think that, Gloriana.” He pulled me to my feet. “I give you pretty things because they
give you pleasure and because you look a treat in them.”
“Well, I cannot complain about that.” I ran my hands over his chest, revealed by his open robe. He’d worn it to my room in case Mercy was still with me. I shoved it off his shoulders and it hit the floor.
“Valdez told me you danced the night away while I was with the king. Some of my so-called friends were friendlier than he liked.” He picked me up in his arms and carried me into the bedchamber. “I hope I don’t have to kill any of them.”
“Don’t be silly. They were respectful. Complimenting your good taste.” I laughed when he dropped me on the bed. “You do have good taste, you know.”
“I do know. I picked you out of that alley, didn’t I? There were trollops aplenty but, when I saw you, I knew I had found a lady. Whoever you were before you hit your head and lost your memory that you were a lady before is and was obvious.” He lay beside me and opened my robe. “Yes, I love your body, but that is just part of it. We are well-suited, Gloriana. Pray remember that when other men come sniffing around you. Do not let them demean you.”
“Other men don’t interest me, Jeremiah. Only you.” I pulled him down until we were lying against each other, skin to skin. “Now, I wonder. When Robert knocked your balls into your throat, did he render you permanently damaged?” I reached down as if to check. “Please tell me we won’t have to start a war on that new island we share with him.”
“I would love to start a war, but I believe I have managed to recover. Come here, my love, and see.” Jeremiah rolled me on top of him, his smile full of mischief.
“Why ’tis a Christmas miracle!” I laughed as he proved once again that a vampire had remarkable healing powers. My forever lover.
Real Vampires: A Highland Christmas (The Real Vampires series Book 14) Page 24