Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates by Bartlett, Gerry (red white royal blue TXT) 📕

“Yes, I am. Though I have my own quarters there.” He flushed as if he’d read my mind. “I suppose it is not a place to take my bride once we’re married. It is rough living when there are just men altogether.”

I thought about Anne’s lovely solar that should be mine. Was I willing to give it up to make this marriage happen? I felt Malcolm’s eyes on me.

“Captain, are you planning to stay in this position once you are wed? In King James’ service?” I turned to look out at sea, at the ships at anchor. “You did your best to rout the pirates. They seem to be leaving us alone.”

He cleared his throat until I looked at him. “I do have another choice. I wrote to my father, telling him of my wedding plans. He offered me a small holding near his own. I know it would please Anne if we settled there. It is near to her own home, where she grew up.” He frowned and looked back at the ship. “If only I could feel better about the attack on the pirates. Say what you will, we failed there.”

All right, that swayed me. “You mustn’t make a rash decision. You are right, the pirates are still out there and bound to have revenge on their minds.” I took a deep breath, that old mortal habit, and smelled a whiff of something disturbing coming from the witch’s hut. No, I would not go there.

“I think it would be perfectly fine if, after the wedding, you moved into the castle into Anne’s rooms. You must stay until you are satisfied that you have served the king well.” I made myself smile and touch his shoulder. “I’m sure that would be all right with Jeremiah but I will ask him about it when he comes home tonight. What do you think?” I wasn’t going to mention that Malcolm had already shared Anne’s bed there and most in the castle knew it.

“Really, Gloriana? You would let us live in Anne’s rooms, let her stay where she is?” He was grinning like I’d made his dreams come true. I was afraid he was going to hug me but he restrained himself as a rowboat came ashore.

“Yes, let me make the arrangements. Anne is worried her stepfather will interfere so we are going to send for the priest right away. Does that meet with your approval or are we rushing you?” I smiled when I saw Jeremiah climb out of that boat and wade toward me.

“I cannot wait to marry Anne. I know once we are wed, the baron will not be able to part us.” Malcolm strode toward Jeremiah. “Your mistress is making me the happiest of men, Lord Campbell. You are one of the luckiest, surely.”

“Really?” Jeremiah caught me in his arms. “What have you done now, Gloriana?”

“I am merely helping him with his wedding plans. That’s all.” I kissed Jeremiah on the cheek. “Are you coming back to the castle with me?” I knew we still had a few more hours before dawn. That was a luxury these nights when Jeremiah had been working so hard on his ship.

“I would love to spend some time with you.” I took his hand.

“You tempt me. Why not? Da has repairs well in hand on board the ship.” He squeezed my hand. “Valdez, you deserve the rest of the night off. I will take care of Gloriana from here.” He and Valdez stared at each other. “Unless you have something to tell me?”

“The seamstress arrived. You might ask Glory about that.” Valdez smiled and then walked into the forest.

Traitor, he was probably going to shift and leave me to explain.

“I hope you like her, Gloriana. Da and I both paid her. You are supposed to have several new gowns from her in the latest fashion.” Jeremiah took my arm and started walking us toward the castle.

“She wasn’t happy with me. She likes petite women, like Florence.” I realized I was complaining about a gift and shut up. “Never mind. The fabrics are beautiful. Maggie is making me something from one of them.”

“Maggie? I know you admire her, but she is not a French seamstress.” Jeremiah frowned. “If that other woman disrespects you, I will send her packing and find another seamstress more to your liking.”

“Forget it, Jeremiah.” I was glad to see the drawbridge. “We have time to actually do something together tonight. Can you believe it?”

“And what would you like to do, my girl?” Jeremiah always had one thing on his mind. His hand slipped around my waist then down to my bum.

“Not that, not yet.” I smiled up at him. “Can we not find an activity we enjoy doing together outside of the bedchamber?” I saw the target set up in the courtyard and dragged him to it. “You have not seen me shoot. Why not a contest? Do you think you can beat me at archery?” I called to one of the lads nearby and he came running with a bow and quiver of arrows.

“You honestly think you can outshoot me?” Jeremiah leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I have been shooting for more than a hundred years, my love.”

“We’ll see if that practice has paid off.” I grinned as an interested crowd began to gather. “Shall we wager?”

“Of course.” Jeremiah looked around at the men he knew from Dollar. “What say you, Colin? Do I dare risk a crown against Mistress Gloriana?”

“Lord Jeremiah, she can shoot straight. I am betting on her.” Colin turned to the man next to him and they did pull out coins, making a bet. Others in the crowd got busy picking favorites.

“Well, it seems you have quite a reputation. You did wound the pirate queen, though I wondered if it was a lucky shot.” He was deliberately challenging me and I knew it.

“You’ll soon find out.” I grinned, suddenly eager to show him that