I shuddered. Bury myself alive? But then a vampire wasn’t alive, was he? “I saw all of you stop breathing when Marin’s green fog came in here. Jeremiah had told me you could do that, shifters and vampires alike. Seeing it was,” I swallowed, “a little strange. How is that possible? How can anyone stop breathing?”
“A shifter doesn’t really stop breathing. We hold our breaths and can do it for a long, long time. As if we have changed.” He ran a hand over his face. “I cannot explain it. Vampires? They are undead. Their hearts work very slowly. It is almost as if it is a phantom beat, a memory of when they were alive. The breathing is the same. The blood they drink makes the heart still pump, so that they can be strong. But during the day they rest, so there is no breathing and no heartbeat. They call it their death sleep and it is truly a death. They never age once they are turned. Jeremiah looks the same today as he did when he was made vampire over a hundred years ago. Impossible as it seems.” He looked away from me, probably realizing that a woman would see that last as a reason to want to become vampire when she was still young and beautiful.
“He’s never changed.” I couldn’t imagine that. Life was hard and I had seen the people at the Globe grow older right before my eyes. Or so it seemed. Hair grayed, eyes dulled. The list was long.
“Gloriana, think of what they are! Vampires are constantly on the hunt for mortals to drink from. That can make them into a kind of animal. At least that’s what I think.” He frowned. “They become users. Some think nothing of killing their blood source. Jeremiah isn’t like that. But some vampires go mad because they miss the sun, miss their mortal life. Look at what happened to Marin. Many become killers and feel nothing when they take the life of a blood donor. It’s the same to them as it would be to you, if you were forced to kill a chicken for your supper. You do what you must to feed yourself.”
I sat again and poured more wine into my goblet then took a gulp. This was more disturbing than I wanted to admit. And I hadn’t heard about the women yet.
“No, I won’t tell you about his women. That is not my place. Just know that his usual way is to send them off with jewels and no memory of knowing him. That blasted trick vampires have of stealing your memories is certainly one of their powers.” Fergus sat across from me and filled his own goblet. “Then there’s the mind reading. Yes, a vampire can do it but try to read their thoughts? It is usually impossible. He or she can block their thoughts. Shifters can do it as well.” He took a drink. “I will certainly make sure Jeremiah doesn’t learn of our conversation from me. But he is going to see your thoughts on this as soon as he wakes.”
“What do you think? If I asked him, would he turn me vampire, Fergus?” I finished my wine and felt the warmth of it in my cheeks.
“No way in hell.” The voice behind me made me jump.
I stood and faced him. “It must be sunset.”
“Yes. It must. Now explain yourselves, both of you. What is this nonsense about becoming a vampire?” Jeremiah looked ready to knock our heads together.
“A notion she had, Jeremiah.” Fergus jumped to his feet. “I’ll ready your bath. I have been trying to talk her out of it since she spoke of it.”
“A bath. Yes.” I smiled at him. “We can talk about this later.” I walked up to Jeremiah and tried to kiss his firm lips which weren’t smiling.
“There is nothing to talk about, Gloriana.” He rested his hands on my shoulders. “I like you the way you are—warm, mortal and perfect.”
“And growing older by the day.” I had the sudden urge to look into my new mirror. “How long will it take before you cast me aside for someone younger and fresh?”
“I believe I said we were not going to discuss this.” He turned away when Fergus lugged in the small tub he’d procured for me after my dip in the river. “We’ll not both fit in there. You may go first. Is there water heating, Fergus? Or have you been too busy discussing Gloriana’s future to tend to your duties for me?”
“Kettle is on the hob.” Fergus set about filling the tub. I hadn’t noticed that he had a barrel of water in the corner now, ready for our baths.
“Jeremiah, Fergus bought me beautiful jewels today, as you requested. If you are unhappy with me, perhaps he should take them back.” I picked up the velvet bag that we’d left on the table.
“Let me see them.” He took the bag and spilled the jewels into his palm. “Good color. I approve. I want to see them on you.” He glanced at the tub which was almost full. “Leave us, Fergus. I’ll let you know when you can come back in.”
“Aye.” Fergus said no more, just glanced at me then grabbed his cloak and left, locking the door behind him.
“Don’t be angry with him. He was trying to talk me out of it.” I backed up when Jeremiah reached for the laces on my dress. “What are you doing?”
“Getting you ready for your bath. Not becoming shy are you?” He made quick work of the ties and soon had my dress on the floor. The chemise went as well. “Now let me see this necklace.” He fastened it around my neck. “Yes, it looks very nice.” He handed me the earrings. “Put them on.” He stood back while I fastened them in my ears. “Very pretty.” Then he clasped the bracelet on my wrist. He walked around me. “If the court could see you like this, I think I would have to run through every man and some women there.”
I flushed from my cheeks to my toes. I wore nothing but those jewels. “You were very generous.”
He reached for my breasts and handled them carefully. “You are so very warm.” He picked up my hand and lifted it to his chest, under his shirt. “Feel me. Can you tell the difference?”
“You are not as warm as I am.” I realized that his skin was in fact almost cool. Why had I never made note of that before? Perhaps it was because we were usually so passionate in our touches. He would be pressed against me and my body would give his some of my warmth.
“Yes, I would miss your mortal warmth if you were to become vampire, Gloriana. Only mortals have the heat that their mortal blood gives them.” He leaned in and inhaled next to the vein in my neck. His eyes closed and I believed he was listening to my heart pound. I knew it when he laid his hand on my chest, where my heart must be. “There. I feel it. That’s what I would hate to have stop. It is your heartbeat. Mine is but a paltry thing, barely beating. You can make it gain some speed when we are together. And taking your blood also makes it go faster.”
“But vampires take blood from each other, I heard you tell Marin to take from Jean-Claude and Fergus said...” I covered his hand with mine. I wasn’t cold standing here, so close to the fire, but I felt exposed. He wore his shirt and a kilt. I wore nothing but those fancy jewels. It seemed like a symbol of our relationship. He held all the power. I was merely the vessel who served him.
“Yes, vampires can drink from each other. And it can be very enjoyable.” He stepped back. “I have never made a mortal into a vampire, Gloriana. It is stealing their humanity. I won’t do it.”
“But then we could be together forever!” I reached for him but he wouldn’t let me touch him, holding up his hands.
“You are a fool if you think anything lasts forever.” He turned his back on me. “Get in the bath and get ready to go to court. I will not discuss this further.” He stalked over to his room and slammed the door.
I carefully removed those jewels and dropped them into the velvet pouch. Did he really think we were done with this topic? I would not give up that easily. Someone had hurt Jeremiah in the past. He wasn’t going to tell me about it and I knew Fergus wouldn’t. Would Robert MacDonald? It might be worth a try.
I stepped into the small tub and scrubbed, determined to look as fine as I could this night. My own power was in my looks and my ability to seduce Jeremiah. If I could please him well, mayhap I could try to persuade him again on this subject. Because I did believe in our love. And that it could last forever. If not? Well, then I was the fool he thought I was.
Chapter Fifteen
I had to admit I felt like a p
rincess in my velvet dress and jewels. Jeremiah stayed close by my side, making sure everyone knew I was his. I didn’t mind. His arm under my hand and his proprietary air meant I belonged here as much as any of the women did. Of course it was a man’s world. The king surrounded himself with his courtiers. And there were soldiers everywhere. Discord from the English Catholics was the gossip of the night.
When Jeremiah was called to make his bow before the king, I was finally free to find my way to the area behind the stage where there was the usual melee going on before a performance. Fergus stayed close under orders from Jeremiah. I was to be guarded at all times. The shifter had the package for Maggie tucked inside his waistcoat and we both smiled when we spied her working on a costume, stitching a tear in the sleeve.
“That used to be my job.” I walked up behind her.
“Gloriana!” Her face lit with joy when she saw us. “And Master Fergus.” A flush tinted her cheeks. “It is so good to see you.” Her eyes widened as she noticed the sparkle of my jewels in the light from the few backstage candles. “My, don’t you look fine. Are those yours to keep, Gloriana?” She reached out to touch the largest stone that hung between my breasts. The dress was cut scandalously low.
I nodded, suddenly embarrassed. Bought and paid for and all I’d had to do was warm Jeremiah’s bed and satisfy his thirst.
“Aye. The master is right besotted with our Gloriana. Nothing but the finest will do for her.” Fergus pulled out the package. “She brought you a little something, Mistress Margaret.” He sketched a bow.
“Fergus picked it out, Maggie.” I couldn’t resist giving the pair a nudge toward each other. “He noticed that it might match your eyes.”
Maggie looked up at Fergus in wonder. “I cannot believe it. I swear to this day Horace has no idea if they are brown or--”
“They are blue, Mistress.” Fergus ripped open the package and placed the shawl carefully around Maggie’s plump shoulders. “As blue as the sky on a summer’s day in the Highlands.”
Maggie’s eyes filled with tears as she stroked the fine cloth. “It is the most beautiful piece I have ever owned.” She looked around then grabbed Fergus’s hand. “You are a true gentleman. Certainly the likes of which I’ve never met in this company.”
“He is kind as well. He’s been wonderful to me.” I backed away when I saw Becks had spied me and was walking my way. “I had best be going. We will be sitting near the front, Maggie. I had hoped we could save you a seat, but Jeremiah says it is not for him to say.”
“If you are free to leave the stage area once the play begins, I will find you a place, Mistress.” Fergus still held her hand.
“I will get away.” She smiled into his eyes. Finally she looked at me. “You are happy with your choice, Gloriana?”
“Yes, I am. I love Jeremiah. He is generous and kind and loves me as well. Do not worry about me, Maggie. Look to your own happiness.” I picked up my skirts and hurried away. I was not about to let Becks close to me. His reek could cling to my clothes and hair. That would never do. I rounded the front of the stage and bumped into a man who had obviously chosen to bathe in perfume.
“Your pardon, sir.” I backed up quickly.
“Ah. It is the lovely lady I found in the street with the drunken Scot. I haven’t forgotten that night.” A gold tipped cane landed on my shoulder before I could get away. “You remember me, do you not, my dear?” He smiled and I could see he had no care for his teeth.
“Certainly, my lord.” I dipped a curtsy. “I must thank you again for offering your aid. It was very kind of you, Lord Summers. Fortunately we made it home safely and had no further problems.”
“I see your protector has found his purse. Very pretty.” He traced my necklace with this cane until it landed right between my breasts. The gold top this night was a snarling tiger and the teeth snagged on one of the sapphires. “I find I am still interested in becoming your, hmm, friend. Say your name, girl.” His eyes gleamed as he studied my figure.
“Gloriana, my lord.” I smiled politely and attempted to move past him but his cane stopped me. I reached up to untangle my necklace then tried to step away again. When I backed into another hard male body, I wanted to scream.
“There you are, Gloriana. Campbell sent me to fetch you.” Robert MacDonald kept his hand on my elbow. “Sir, are you quite through inspecting this filly?”
Lord Summers cackled with amusement. “Filly. Right you are.” He thumped his cane on the floor. “She has got good lines, don’t you agree?”
“Very good lines. But Campbell is the jealous sort. I wouldn’t test his temper, if I were you.” Robert’s hand tightened on my elbow.
“Pah. Young men and their women. He’ll soon tire of her. Then she’ll be eager enough for a new handler. Eh, Gloriana?” He reached out to stroke my chin. One of his heavy rings would have scratched my cheek if I hadn’t jerked my face away. “Very pretty. I might even put her to stud. Never can have enough bastards, I say.” He looked me over again. “Those hips look made for child bearing. I have many properties that can use good stewardship. Think on that, Gloriana. I take good care of those gels who bear me sons and their offspring.”
I bit my tongue, sure the getting of those sons would involve some of his rough handling. I didn’t dare say a word because his cold gaze promised he would make a bitter enemy if crossed. I merely stared down at my feet, as if too shy to speak after such a generous offer.
“You will have to wait your turn, my lord. I have already spoken to her about being next, should Campbell release her. A bidding war would be unseemly.” Robert looked the older man up and down. “I don’t think you want to measure your, um, purse against mine.” He put himself in front of me.
“Grasping greedy Scots. London is overrun with them these days. I hear there is a group determined to cut down their number. Catholics? Or do they have other reasons for attacking a man of your type?” Lord Summers’ eyes were hard. “It will be interesting to see how long this king lasts and how your purse fares betimes.”
“That sounded like treason. My king will see you in the Tower if I whisper in his ear that you think his days are numbered here. If we look in your house, will we find a rosary? A seditious Catholic text perhaps? But then a searcher can find anything, if he is clever. Do I make myself clear?” Robert rested his hand on his sword hilt.
“Relax, dear boy. My own mother came from the Highlands. I may not wear the kilt, but I can trot out enough close connections to the king to keep my head out of a noose.” Summers sneered and gazed around the room. “Keep the gel. There are willing women aplenty, though she was certainly to my taste.” With that he turned on his heel and wound his way through the crowd.
“Thank you.” I sagged against Robert’s arm as soon as I was sure Lord Summers was far enough away not to hear me. “I despise that man.”
“Who doesn’t?” He touched my hand. “Will you have wine? You look upset.”
“I will never drink wine here again. It tastes like river water and I should know.” I did let him lead me to a chair against the wall and sat gratefully. “He spoke as if I weren’t standing right in front of him. He holds women in such contempt it makes you wonder why he is so eager to bed one.”
“Summers is a dangerous man with dark appetites. Few of the women who have served him were seen again. Though now I wonder if they are somewhere in the country with one of his brats.” Robert sat beside me.
“Did Jeremiah really send you to look for me?” I didn’t see Jeremiah when I scanned the room.
“Of course not. Our temporary truce is over. He is speaking with the captain of the King’s Guard. Campbell is a former warrior. His knowledge of strategy and warfare is seen by some as valuable. The king asked him to advise the captain about how to proceed during this time of unrest.”
“Then why did you come over?” I wondered if Robert had been a warrior as well. He certainly had the look of one. But he didn’t seem jealous of Jeremiah’s value to the king. I c
ouldn’t read minds, but he was focused on me, giving me his full attention.
“I didn’t like to see Summers pawing you.” Robert pulled out a small looking glass and studied my necklace more closely. “Well done, Campbell. At least he is finally taking better care of you, Gloriana.”
“He says he loves me.” I flushed. “Do I sound foolish? Is that something your kind says to make your mortal companion more eager to offer a vein?”
“It is not something I say readily.” Robert put the glass away and gazed into my eyes. “You wish to ask me about Campbell’s past. I will not discuss it. Our families have a bloody history and part of it involves a woman, his woman. I am surprised he has laid his heart at your feet. He lost it once before and it brought him great pain. I’m sorry to say, my family was behind it.” He glanced around the room. “It won’t be long before the play will begin. I’m looking forward to it. Master Shakespeare and his company should be quite entertaining. King Jamie can speak of little else.”
“Please don’t change the subject just yet.” I laid my hand on his sleeve. He looked very fine this night in his plaid with a claret velvet doublet trimmed in fine black silk needlework showing nightingales in flight. His black velvet jacket was adorned with rubies. He was very handsome, his light hair and blue eyes striking in those colors. If I didn’t love Jeremiah, this man would tempt me. He stared at me and read the thought, leaning toward me.
“What is it you want, Gloriana?” His smile showed me straight white teeth with just a hint of fang that no one across the room would even notice.
“I want to become,” I leaned closer, raising my fan to whisper in his ear, “vampire. What do you think?”
“I think you are mad.” He reared back and stood. “Your value is in your mortality, woman. And if you think I will be the one to do the deed, think again. I assume Campbell has already turned you down.”
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry Page 21
