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

surprised at the way they were all well-armed and glowering at each other.

“Captain, Lady Anne, may I present the Earl of Leven and his countess who have honored us with their presence.” The bishop made the introductions and everyone did the necessary.

“Fiona, you look beautiful.” I was delighted when she rushed forward to grasp my hands.

“I was about to say the same about you, Gloriana. I must know the name of your dressmaker.” She turned me around. “I have never seen such exquisite workmanship. Look at me, I am drowning in fussy lace and could barely fit into the carriage. Robert complained all the way here.”

“It is very pretty lace.” I did admire the full sleeves on her silver gown. “How long is the journey between our castles? Jeremiah won’t consider a visit, though I was hoping we’d make one soon.”

“It is a few hours. Not long at all.” Fiona leaned in. “I had to remind Robert that the king has spies who will report if we don’t make an effort to show unity here. He cannot forget that feud. When he heard the bishop was requested, Robert decided this wedding was the excuse he needed to come and show support for the fight against the pirates.”

“You’re sure the king has spies? Jeremiah just mentioned it but it’s a good reminder that he must pretend to get along with Robert.” I knew it was unlikely Jeremiah would set foot in a MacDonald stronghold though.

I was sorry about that. Fiona knew I was a vampire and I liked her. I really enjoyed having a female friend to confide in who knew what I was. I didn’t fool myself that Flo would stay much longer.

Fiona frowned. “I heard you were attacked by the pirates and wounded. I’m glad to see you seem healed. How do you feel?”

“I am fine now, thank you.” I gestured for Flo to join us. “It was an ordeal, I don’t mind telling you. But come, meet my friend Madame Florence daVinci. Flo, this is the Countess of Leven, Fiona MacDonald.”

Flo sank into one of her court curtsies. Fiona matched her. Soon they were talking like old friends. In Italian. I realized we were keeping the wedding from going forward and gestured to Jeremiah. He was busy keeping his father from hurling insults at Robert.

“We must let the wedding proceed. Can you do something?” I realized Jeremiah had managed to call in some of our own guard, besides my ever-present Valdez, and the chapel was now crowded with armed men.

“Of course.” He raised his hands and shouted. “Attention. We are ready to begin.” There was a quick shuffling of feet and everyone settled into place. The bishop stood at the altar with Jeremiah and Captain Burnett in front of him. Lady Anne had her mother by her side. Anne did look lovely and I was happy to notice that the captain couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Soon they were saying vows. Jeremiah kept his hand on his sword and eyed the MacDonald group warily as if sure they had evil intent. Malcolm had just slipped a ring on Anne’s finger when we heard shouts from outside.

“Pirates! Pirate ships in the harbor!” Then the boom of cannons.

I hoped the bishop had finished and made it legal, because the captain pushed men aside as he ran for the door. Lady Anne stared after him, her heart in her eyes.

Jeremiah didn’t spare a word to me, just ran after him. The rest of his men surged toward the door, clearing out the chapel except for the party from the MacDonald castle.

“What should we do?” Fiona looked excited, like we’d arranged this for her entertainment.

“Come inside the castle where you will be safe.” Valdez began urging us toward the door. “We can protect you there.”

“Go with him, my dear.” Robert MacDonald was surrounded by his men. “I’m going to see how I can help with this. I don’t want to have to worry about you.” He kissed her cheek. “Stay safe.”

“What if I could help? You know I’m an excellent shot.” Fiona touched his face. “Be careful, darling. Don’t be surprised if you see me on the battlements.”

“Now Fiona…” He grinned at her. “Don’t shoot anyone in a kilt. Remember that.” He stopped by me and kissed my cheek. “Gloriana, you are radiant. I heard you were hurt by a pirate that Campbell let inside the gates. Incompetent turd. If you get tired of him, you’ll always have a home with us, won’t she, Fiona?”

“I don’t know, Robert. Not if you keep looking down her bosom. It might be best if we help her set up somewhere close by.” Fiona tugged on his plaid. “Go kill some pirates. Jamie would love a report that you did that for Campbell.”

“No, for Scotland, my love. I fight pirates for the king and for Scotland.” He winked then led his men out of the chapel.

I heard more cannon fire in the distance. Were the ships shooting at each other? Or had the pirates found our ships unmanned and taken advantage of that fact to severely damage them? I was sure Jeremiah was on his way to the beach to check on it now.

“Valdez, make sure there are guards on the hill. At the entrance to the secret passageway.” I couldn’t help reliving that attack inside our walls. I didn’t blame Jeremiah. He had defended us as well as he knew how. I saw guards everywhere, but the drawbridge was still down. I stopped in front of it. Fergus was talking to a group of men there.

“Surely you are going to raise the drawbridge.” I ignored Valdez, who was trying to push us into the castle. The bishop hurried inside on his own, murmuring prayers.

“I gave the order as soon as Jeremiah and the captain left here.” Fergus stalked over to one side of it and pointed at the chain that made it rise and fall. “See here. Damaged beyond a quick repair. Someone knew