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

to fight but the reality, the blood, and watching the light go out of a mortal’s eyes…? Well, it wasn’t a treat, no matter how wrong the cause or evil the man might be.”

“It never gets easier, Gloriana.” Jeremiah leaned me against the stone wall and touched my face. “I’m sorry you had to deal with it. I’ve always wanted to spare you this.”

“I know. Now tell me the outcome this night. Are the pirates truly beaten? I think I hear cheers in the courtyard. We already let the ale flow free earlier. It seems to be making the guards merry.” I tugged him up the stairs again, eager to wash and change into a dress for the wedding

“Yes, the pirates left here with only one ship, sails in tatters and low in the water. They’ll be lucky if they make it to their home port. We sank the other two. Burnett has rounded up two dozen men and they’ll stand trial in Edinburgh, along with the two you put in the dungeon here. I doubt we’ll see any more raiding on the coast for a very long time.” Jeremiah grinned proudly, so handsome in his pride that my heart did a little dance in my chest.

“The king will be delighted.” I was sure there would be another reward in my lover’s future. What would it mean for both of us? A different posting?

“Yes, I will have quite a report for him. Even MacDonald took down a few pirates with his sword. Captain Burnett was in the thick of the fighting and has now stayed behind to assure himself that there were enough guards on the prisoners. It seems even on his wedding day his duty comes first. I will make sure he gets full credit for his diligence.”

“That should assure his future with Lady Anne.” I knew she would be willing to follow her captain wherever the king sent him next.

“He directed two of his own men to find Clyne along with a heavy purse to assure Lady Rose that the man did indeed get on a ship for France.” Jeremiah urged me along to our room. “Burnett was determined to start his married life with no lingering problems in that quarter.”

“He’s certainly a fine man.” I didn’t think Clyne deserved the purse, but it had probably been a wise decision to hurry the man on his way. “Lady Anne chose well.”

“He told me that Lady Rose is going back to Edinburgh to live with her sister. He wasn’t sorry to hear that, I’m sure.” Jeremiah threw open our bedchamber door.

“Lord Campbell.” Colin approached us in the hall. “Mistress Gloriana.”

“Yes, Colin. What is it?” Jeremiah smiled at him. “I hear you acquitted yourself well this night. Fergus told me you fought at the drawbridge when a group of pirates attacked there.”

Colin flushed. “Thank you, my lord. I’m here about my wedding. Mercy and I are soon to go before the bishop. It is her fondest wish for you and Mistress Gloriana to be our witnesses. If it isn’t asking too much. I know you must be tired but I would be most grateful if you would honor us.” He looked down at his dirty britches and shuffled his dusty boots. Not wedding attire.

“We were planning on it. But you must promise me you will take a few minutes to wash up and change clothes, Colin.” I had to say it. “Mercy will be dressed in her best so you must do the same. It is your special night after all. Hurry, and we’ll meet you in the chapel.”

“Oh, thank you.” Colin looked at Jeremiah. “And you, sir?”

“Of course. Glad to do it for someone from home.” Jeremiah shook his hand. “Go now. Gloriana is right. Must look your best for the bride. We’ll be waiting for you.” He glanced at me. “Perhaps Gloriana will want to wear a dress to the wedding.”

“What? You don’t approve of my attire?” I knew he didn’t. I laughed at the look on Colin’s face. “Don’t worry, Colin. I will change for Mercy and for you.” I poked Jeremiah in the stomach. “Not because my lord and master says so.”

I hurried into the bedchamber. It wasn’t easy to change without my Mercy’s help but Jeremiah certainly knew how to get me out of clothes, even britches. I refused to dally with him and finally wiggled out of the britches on my own. Then I found a skirt and bodice that would be pretty next to Mercy’s blue dress. Jeremiah washed quickly while I threw on a lacy shawl. When we finally made it down the stairs, Fergus and Maggie were at the bottom, both dressed in their best.

“We’re going to the wedding as well.” Maggie tugged up her shawl. “Holly is watching the baby.”

It was a merry group this time that crowded into the chapel. Candles were lit again and the same greenery that Lady Anne had used for her wedding had been freshened. She was there and Captain Burnett had managed to tear himself away from duty in time to clutch her hand and whisper in her ear. She was radiant with happiness.

Another couple who seemed flushed with happiness was Florence with the laird. She was in a beautiful sea green dress with rows of lace. She clung to her man like she’d never let him go.

“We are leaving tomorrow night to go to London now that the pirates seem vanquished. Angus has some business for the king. He got a letter while he was gone and is eager to tend to it.” She waved one of her beautiful fans. “He promised he’d take me to Paris after that. If he does not?” She watched him talking to Jeremiah. “Well, it has been fun but it might be time for us to part again.”

I was surprised that she could let go so easily of someone she loved. I said as much.

“There are many interesting men in the world, Glory. You will see. When