“Very well. Admiral, you found this man in the company of Lenweri, did you not?”
Nikolas inclined his head. “I did.”
“And what was the attitude of this man when you confronted him?”
“He appeared to wish to negotiate his way out of the situation,” Nikolas said, “but the Lenweri with him attacked us.”
“Could you describe what happened then, Admiral?”
Nikolas proceeded to detail the ensuing battle and aftermath. Sam had to admit it was a fair summary and included his own decision to fight against the Lenweri.
The prosecutor appeared incredulous. “This man aided you in the battle?”
“We fought side by side,” Nikolas said. “I have no doubt that the situation could have been much worse without his aid.”
“Come now, Admiral, without the actions of this rogue, you wouldn’t have been in that position.”
Nikolas nodded and Sam ground his teeth.
“Admiral,” the prosecutor continued, “why do you think Delacost aided you?”
“There were ladies present and I believe the accused was trying to protect them.”
“Ladies?” the counselor said. “How were there ladies present?”
Nikolas squared his shoulders. “I was using their services to find the pirate.”
“What help could women possibly be in this respect?”
“I’d prefer not to say.”
“This is most unusual, Admiral. Who were these women?”
Nikolas remained silent.
Sam listened fascinated at the details that had been covered up. What did it mean for him?
“Does it matter?” Sam asked. “We are judging my actions here, not those of the ladies.”
The counselor looked down his nose. “Anything might be relevant. At the very least, these women are witnesses and I must insist they be named.”
The King cleared his throat. “They will be called if necessary. At this time, I don’t believe they have anything to add that the admiral can’t provide.”
The prosecutor frowned and turned back to Nikolas. “Admiral, have you or any of your men witnessed Delacost in the act of piracy?”
“I have not, but I have one of my captains in this room who says he can identify the captain of the pirate ship, Silver Lady.”
“Very well, Admiral, you may step down and I will call the next witness.”
Days of darkness, poor food and no exercise were taking their toll. Sam would have given anything for a chair. He shifted his weight and glanced around the hall again.
There she is!
Esta stood at the side of the hall half hidden by a pillar. Their eyes met and a shiver ran through Sam. She was here as she had promised.
And then he checked himself. How did he sink this low that he relied upon others to save him? That was the slippery slope to ruin and he was on it and halfway down if he was any judge.
Soft! That was him! A landlocked ocean man who should never have placed himself in this position. He had allowed his yearning for family and the lure of a woman to lead him astray. But unwanted, his gaze returned to the lady beside the pillar and the anger oozed away. She was everything he wanted and if he had to give up his freedom to have her then so be it.
Who am I jesting? I’ll never have her. Never have anything but a prison cell or a noose. And better a noose than a dungeon where his spirit would die long before his body. The momentary fire drained into the cold hall and Sam closed his eyes.
A chair! I’d kill for a chair.
“Captain Derota,” the prosecutor said, “is the man you see before you the very man who boarded your ship at night, stole your cargo and killed your men?”
Sam opened his eyes to the accusing gaze of the last captain he had stolen from. He had to stay focused if he was to have any hope of defending himself.
“It is. He and his Lenweri boarded my ship at night and I lost a number of my crew.”
“Don’t worry, Captain,” the prosecutor said. “The crown will see justice done.”
Sam roused himself. “Stick to the facts,” he growled.
“Do you deny you stole from this man and killed his sailors, Delacost?”
Sam swallowed hard. This was it, the moment he had dreaded. “I deny killing his men. I killed no one on that ship.”
“Ha! So you admit you boarded,” the prosecutor said. “You were the captain, Delacost! What your crew did was under your orders. You knew when you set foot on that ship there was a chance of bloodshed. You are responsible!”
Sam shook his head. “I authorized minimal force. I want goods not lives.”
The prosecutor sneered. “You’re a highly trained swordsman, one of the best. What chance do these men have against you?”
“As I said, I authorized minimal force.” Sam took a deep breath to stem his racing heart. “And when I entered the fight, I dealt non-lethal blows.”
“Oh, I’m sure you did, Delacost,” the lawyer said. “Pirates are known for their restraint and compassion.”
Sam squared his shoulders. “It’s his word against mine that I hurt anyone.”
“You admit to boarding his ship! You admit to taking his goods! That’s enough to convict you of piracy. The penalty, Your Majesty, for piracy with loss of life…is death. That is what I will be asking for. Death by hanging for Samael Delacost.”
A cheer went up from the court, loud enough to drown out the pounding surf below. Sam glanced around the chamber and saw hostile faces on all sides. They wanted his head. As if they hadn’t all robbed in their own way. The nobility was well known for taking more than their share in taxes from the people who depended on them.
Sam was guilty, no doubt about that. All that would save him now was Nikolas standing up and declaring his relationship to the accused. Would he do that?
The admiral’s face was carved in stone. A muscle twitched along his jaw and he stared straight ahead. A war went on inside, that was for sure. Or he hoped it did.
The King stood. “I think we have heard enough. I will give my ruling.” He turned to Sam. “Samael Delacost. You stand accused of piracy and murder, of associating with Lenweri, the enemy of this kingdom. The evidence is clear to me. What do you plead?”
“I plead not guilty to all but the piracy, Your Majesty.” Sam stood proud as the hall again erupted in anger. He looked for Esta who stood more exposed, brown eyes wide, her head shaking from side to side. Her lips moved as though she argued with herself.
“State your case, Delacost,” the King said.
“Your Majesty, I admit I was a pirate, that I had a Lenweri crew. They never gave me any reason to think they were enemies of the kingdom. I know their people have caused us concern but I didn’t believe they were of the Sis Lenweri faction.”
“You had to know it would be looked upon unfavorably,” the counselor said.
“I used the Lenweri for their night vision. We could board ships under the cover of darkness and be away before anyone knew. That was our plan. I wanted to hurt no one physically.”
“Still, you did,” the King said.
Sam nodded. “Men were injured and killed and for that I’m sorry.” He considered his next words. “When the admiral came looking for me, I stood with him when my crew turned on me. I protected the women. The admiral and I fought back to back. I almost lost my own life. That has to mean something.”
The King inclined his head. “We are grateful that the admiral has come back to us and that the ladies are safe. However, I have to state that without you, there would have been no need for the mission at all. The murder of kingdom citizens led to the admiral taking steps to find and stop you. I must make an example of you and see justice done for the men who never came back.”
Sam looked at Nikolas, who finally met his gaze. Now was the time for him to declare his brother, if he had the courage to do so. Nikolas frowned and time stood still as the wind howled around the castle.
The King seemed oblivious to Nikolas as he cleared his throa
t. No doubt this was merely another distasteful decision his Majesty had to make in a long line of them for this day. But it was Sam’s life on the line. Nikolas do something!
“Samael Delacost. I find you guilty of piracy and of consorting with the enemy. As such you have committed treason against the crown. Of the murder charge, I must grant you the benefit of the doubt in this case as there is no proof you killed anyone and you behaved commendably when called to make a decision for or against the admiral.” The King paused, a smile on his lips. Sam stifled a growl. Treason and piracy were still enough to get him hanged and the monarch had the gall to look pleased!
“Samael Delacost, as you have been found guilty of piracy and treason, I sentence you to death by hanging. No appeal will be allowed and the sentence will pass tomorrow.”
Sam went ice cold deep in his bowels. His heart gave a giant leap and then slowed as though it was winding down. He took a slow breath and everything came back into focus. There were gasps from the crowd and he turned to see Esta walk from her place against the wall toward the dais. She looked at Nikolas, her teeth gritted and muttering as she passed. She mounted the stairs and was restrained by the guards.
“Let me pass,” she said, trying to shake off their hands.
What was she trying to do? He was suddenly terrified as Esta fought to get to Nikolas.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion, Lady Aranati?” the King asked. “I will be hearing no more petitions for today. Kindly retire and see me on the morrow.”
The King turned away and Esta broke free and lunged for Nikolas, clawing her way up his tunic until she could whisper close to his ear. His eyes widened at whatever she said and he turned to the King. “Excuse me, Your Majesty, may I impose on you for a few more moments? I need a private word.”
The King frowned but nodded and the two men moved away into the back of the hall. Sam couldn’t hear a word that was said but the King looked at Esta and then Sam. There were more muffled discussions and then the two men returned to the throne area.
“If it please the court,” the King said. “I have reason to grant a stay of execution for a period of two days while I ponder recent information that has come to light.”
The crowd buzzed with the news, an angry hive if ever Sam had heard one.
“Tell me what’s going on, dammit!” Sam said. “Lady, what did you tell the admiral? Lady Aranati!”
But Esta turned and hurried away, two guards close on her heels as if she were a common criminal. She didn’t even look in his direction.
Sam was tugged around and his gaze fell upon Nikolas who stared at him openmouthed.
What did she say? Damn her, he had to know. “Cosara, what’s going on?”
The guard at his side swore. “You’ve been given an extra two days you don’t deserve, Delacost. Isn’t that enough for you?”
Sam was hauled from the room, jeers and curses following him. Any moment he expected to feel the sharp stab of steel but he was in one piece when he passed through the doors and corridors outside. In minutes he was back in his cell, in the gloom with only the rats and roaches for company.
“Send me the admiral,” Sam said to his jailor. “I have to know what she said.”
The man frowned at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about lad but I’ll see what I can do. No guarantees mind.” The man turned and tramped back up the passage, leaving Sam in darkness.
Chapter 23
What have I done? Esta’s whole body shook and her chamber walls spun. And will it be enough? That she still had the presence of mind to wonder amazed her. The whispered declaration she had made to Nikolas could change everything for both her and Samael. It could ruin her and it might be too little to save her love. The King had granted two days. Two days!
She had to see Nikolas, convince him to come out in the open about Sam. She had given him a stay of two days, Nikolas could reverse the order altogether. Damn him! Why was he so proud?
Esta jumped at an abrupt knock on the door. Her maid scurried over and opened it.
Nikolas swept through, turquoise eyes stormy. “What the devil are you playing at madam?”
Esta stood and looked him in the eye. “This is no game. A man’s life is at stake and you are doing nothing.”
“I’m doing all I can. I’ve spoken with the King on a daily basis, presented Delacost’s behavior in the best light I can. It has made no difference.”
“You know of what I speak,” Esta said, conscious of the maid in the next room.
Nikolas’s eyes darted toward the bedchamber.
Oh yes he should be afraid of exposure and he must be furious to come here and confront me.
“I’m vulnerable, Lady Aranati,” he said. “There are things in my past I still have not overcome. This revelation might be the end of me.”
She shook her head. “So you place yourself over him?”
“Damn right I do. I have a wife to think of and other family.”
“Oh yes, you certainly do have other family, Admiral. It’s a pity you can’t bring yourself to care enough about them.”
“You’re being unfair,” Nikolas said. “Anyway, I came here to discuss what you told me. Is it true?”
“I’m not in the habit of lying,” Esta said. He didn’t know what she was capable of, thank the Goddess. “I don’t think it will be enough but you had better hope it is for the sake of your precious reputation.”
“I’ll send the royal midwife in to have a look at you,” Nikolas said.
“Don’t you dare,” she said. “I’ll be perfectly fine.”
A muscle in Nikolas’s jaw tensed and Esta thought he was going to force her to undergo an examination. “I think it best you return to your estate.”
“I will go nowhere until I know his fate.” Esta folded her arms under her breasts and waited.
“Very well.” Nikolas nodded and left the room, muttering under his breath.
Esta sighed and sat back on the chair in front of the fire. She must see Sam again and explain to him what she had done.
Esta stood in the alcove of the prison entrance and took deep breaths to slow her heart. Katrine, against her better judgment she said, had cast a spell on her which would make her invisible for a short period of time, perhaps less than an hour. None of this would be necessary if the King had granted her visiting rights.
Voices came from the command room, raised voices. What were they doing? It sounded like gambling. Just her luck that tonight of all nights there were more men than usual on duty. Refusing to be cowed by the challenge, Esta said a prayer to the Goddess and opened the heavy oak door just enough for her to slip inside. It moved silently. She inched along the entry hall until she could see the men. They were dicing and drinking and with luck would never hear her.
Staying as close to the wall as she could, Esta slipped through the command room, not taking a breath until she was in the corridor on the other side. As she moved down the hall and past the upper compartments, she dared not look into the cells for fear of what she would see. She heard plenty though—groans and soft squishes and water tinkling. She didn’t like to imagine what was behind those noises. Heart thumping and worried about how much time had passed, she began her descent into the dungeon. It was so dark she could barely make out the steps and had to place her foot over the edge and feel for each level.
Step by agonizing step, she traveled the stairs and crept past the Lenweri. She knew they were there because they spoke in their tongue. Their conversation stopped as she neared their cell and didn’t start again until she was past. They knew something was amiss! But no alarm was raised.
Now which one was Sam’s cell? She couldn’t remember. Was it four or five cells past the elves? Damn her memory! There was nothing for it. At the fourth cell she whispered Sam’s name but no one answered. It was the same for the fifth cell.
Panic hit as she worried he had been moved. Were they keeping him in a secret place? She moved to the sixth cell. “Sam!”
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A shadow moved in the dark. “What the devil do you want?”
Relief washed over Esta and her knees went weak. “Sam! It’s me, Esta. I came to explain.”
“It’s time someone did,” he said, looking over her left shoulder. “Why can’t I see you?”
“Katrine has done this so I may visit with you in secret. The King denied permission.”
“Never mind, what the hell did you tell Nikolas that gave me the stay of execution?”
“He hasn’t been to see you yet?”
“No one has been to see me.” He sounded angry, alone and despairing.
“I don’t have much time. Come to the bars so I can touch you.”
“Just tell me what you said, damn it.”
Esta sighed. He wasn’t going to make this easy. “I’m here to explain, Sam, but I need to touch you.”
At first there was silence but then a rustling told her Sam had stood. His large hand covered hers on the bars and she made out his faint outline. “I’ve missed you.”
He still loved her, still wanted her. All she had to do was make this work. “I’ve missed you too. I was terrified I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you that.”
“You weren’t. What game are they playing at?”
She shook her head. “You are being kept isolated and Nikolas is worried for his reputation.”
“Some brother!”
“He has trauma in his past that still haunts him,” Esta said. How to tell him her plan?
“Tell me what you told Nikolas.”
She took a deep breath in and slowly let it out. “I told him I was expecting your child.”
“What!”
“Hush, they’ll hear and come down. I had to do something and that was all I could think of.”
“This will ruin you if it gets out.”
“It had the desired effect and now I have two days to get Nikolas to reveal you are his brother. I will petition him again this evening.”
Sam slid his arms through the bars and around her, pulling her against him. His lips found her forehead and she tilted her head up so they could kiss. Despite his desperation, Sam’s mouth was tender on hers, exploring her lips, and venturing inside to capture her tongue. Esta so needed his body wrapped around hers, but reality crushed her desire. This might be the last time she touched him in this life.
The Lady and the Pirate Page 18
