“Nay, Devlin and the witches tried to ruin it.” Jeremiah joined us in the bedchamber. “The kirk is destroyed but Fergus and Maggie are truly wed. Their marriage celebration was held in the new house I gave them. Food and drink had been set out there before the ceremony. I had arranged it as a surprise. I left instructions for them to enjoy it all and not to worry about us. I put it about that we were leaving right away to get to Edinburgh to please the king.”
“And how will you explain it when we arrive back tonight?” I moved closer to him and touched his cold cheek. I still felt the chill from being almost frozen on the ride here and, truly, dreaded another long ride. Was I still ill? Hadn’t Red Mary lifted her spell completely? I wondered if I could call for her and she would come. I certainly wouldn’t do it in front of these men. But if I didn’t feel better soon…
“We won’t be going back this night.” Jeremiah hugged me and kissed my hair. “One of our own Campbell houses on the path to Edinburgh is not far from here. We will ride there and be before its fire in an hour. I will send a rider to Da letting him know we will be going on to the king’s court now. Blame it on the whims of Jamie. This kind of thing has happened before. Ma will not be happy that we are missing her Yuletide festivities but you know I am not in a mood to please her anyway.”
I had to admit that not having to see Mag Campbell at Yuletide lightened my spirits. “Truly? We won’t have to go back to the castle tonight?”
“No indeed. I can see that you are too tired to make that long ride.” He tugged me toward the kitchen doorway, avoiding the shrinking body that used to be Devlin. It had been getting smaller and smaller since he had been staked. Soon there would be nothing left of him but a stain on the floor and the lingering odor of Hell.
“You are right.” I followed Valdez into the small kitchen and waited while he stepped outside to make sure our horses were ready for us. I took a deep breath of clean air and smiled, glad our troubles were over. The fact that the snow had stopped and the sky had cleared made the trip almost pleasant. It was still bitterly cold, but I was dressed for it now and on a horse of my own. Could we truly travel now without looking over our shoulders, constantly fearful of who might try to take me or harm one of us? I found it hard to believe. Valdez rode behind me, Jeremiah in front as we followed a narrow track. Of course we still had four riders with us keeping a watchful eye as we rode out.
By the time we reached another stone house with light in the windows and smoke coming from the chimney, I was ready to slide off the horse and into Jeremiah’s arms.
“We still have time before dawn, Gloriana, thanks to these long nights.” Jeremiah escorted me into a comfortable room where a fire roared in the hearth. Valdez went through the rest of the house carefully and reported that only a caretaker named MacTavish was about. He was cooking something for the guards who were shapeshifters and had butchered a sheep for those who needed blood.
“Sheep’s blood?” I didn’t like the sound of that.
“It is what we use to make do when there are not willing mortals about. I am going to bring you a goblet and one for myself. It will be warm and not such a bad way to regain strength. I would certainly not relieve my thirst taking from you, my love, and I am not sure my own blood is yet free of the witch’s poison.” Jeremiah stalked off to the kitchen.
“You have no idea how you look, do you?” Valdez took my cloak and led me to a chair next to the fire.
“What do you mean?” My hand flew to my hair. Was I a horror? Of course I’d had no way to bathe or dress my hair. Did I smell of Devlin? Or had I dragged my dress through the snow? It was a dull gray shapeless gown that did not flatter me—the bodice tight with a high neck and loose waist. Of course Jeremiah would hate it. No wonder he had barely touched me since rescuing me.
“The ordeal you went through is on your face, Gloriana. You are pale, your eyes have dark circles under them and your lips are bloodless. Whatever Red Mary did to you to make you ill enough to put off Devlin lingers.” Valdez pulled out his dagger and wiped it on his sleeve. “I want to put an end to her.”
“No! You cannot. She saved me, Valdez. I told you that. I owe her my life.” I smoothed my hair though obviously that wasn’t the problem. No matter what sheep’s blood tasted like, I would drink it. I needed to get my strength back. Even a short ride had left me weak and shaking. I felt like an old woman, my knees wobbly, my back and bum aching from sitting in the saddle.
“She saved you, perhaps, but at what cost?” He put away his dagger when Jeremiah entered the room with a goblet in each hand. “I am going out to make sure the horses are well taken care of and that the men have proper bedding. Their food will be ready by the time the sun rises. I will be back inside then, sleeping across your bedchamber door.”
“Thank you, Valdez.” Jeremiah handed me a brimming goblet. “I heard you mention Red Mary.” He sat in the chair across from me. “Why are you against finding her and making her pay for her part in your capture?”
“Jeremiah, as I told Valdez, she saved me. I heard her in my mind. She was furious that Devlin killed Alyse and wanted to make him pay for that. She certainly did not want him to take pleasure from me.”
“Hah! So she said. Yet you would not have been in that cottage at all if she had not sent Alyse after you. And after me!” Jeremiah gripped the goblet, almost spilling the blood. “By God, do you not remember the poison? If Gertrude hadn’t known how to save me, I’d be dead now. Does that mean nothing to you?”
I was on my feet. “How dare you say that to me!” I wanted to throw the contents of that vessel in his face. But I’d smelled it and my throat ached to taste it. “I despaired over the thought of losing you. I cried bitter tears. I would have done anything to keep you alive. You cannot doubt that!” I paused long enough to take a deep drink. Oh, Gods, it was not what I had expected. I didn’t spit it out but this was swill. Bless the poor sheep but I could taste grass and who knew what else in the brew. Not exactly hearty mortal blood.
“Stop, Gloriana. I didn’t mean that. Of course I know you love me. That you don’t want to lose me. But how can you defend a witch who sold poison intended to end my life? Who sent someone to us that tried to make that happen? Red Mary works for the Devil and for anyone with enough coin to buy her dark magic. We need to find her and stop her. What if she helped you this time, but takes coin to spell you the next time an enemy of mine approaches her? You could be the one who carries poison into my home next and you would not be able to help yourself.” He drank from his own goblet and made a face.
“I cannot believe she would do that. You killed the man she wanted dead.” I prayed I was right. “She owes you now, Jeremiah. You did her a favor. Avenged her niece Alyse. I believe she will honor that debt and refuse to harm you.”
“You are foolish if you think a witch has a code of honor.” Jeremiah drained his goblet. “Listen to me and listen well. If I knew where she lived I would see to it that she never harmed me or one I loved again.”
I blocked my thoughts like mad. I knew where Red Mary lived. Alyse had shown me when we’d been in Gertrude’s hut. I had no idea why, but I would never share that knowledge now. I was not about to lead a killing raid on her place. I had seen Red Mary’s power. No matter what the witch had done, it was clear to me that no one could attack a witch like that and come out the winner. Jeremiah meant well, but he hadn’t been saved by her, hadn’t seen her as a woman who could be reasoned with.
Was I mad? The night had taken a toll and I needed time to think. I forced myself to take another sip from my goblet and shuddered.
“I know this drink is not what you are used to, but finish it. You look like hell.” Jeremiah echoed Valdez. At least my bodyguard had not been so plain speaking.
I wanted to smack my lover. Instead I forced myself to finish my drink.
“I look like hell? Such pretty words from my lover. Thank you very much. I want to go to bed now. Alone. It has been a long and upsetting night.” I set do
wn the empty goblet and stalked toward what looked to be a bedchamber.
“Gloriana.” He followed me of course. Men are so predictable. Mention bed and they are like sheep themselves, trotting after you, bleating their apologies. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I know I look like hell. Valdez told me so first. I will take my ugly self out of your sight.” I stopped in the doorway. I had seen enough to know there was a big bed with a pile of heavy woolen coverlets inside, another large fireplace with a fire going, and even hooks for my clothes. “The furs by the fire in the front room look comfortable enough for a death sleep. Enjoy.” I slammed the bedchamber door.
I waited to see if Jeremiah would pound the door or say something through it. To my surprise he left me alone. Good. The door didn’t have a lock and I knew better than to taunt him that way if it had had one. So I hung my cloak on the hook then pulled off my dress, boots and stockings. I was too tired to undress completely, so I lay down in my shift.
When I rolled over to face the fireplace, I was shocked to see a figure there. She wasn’t real, I knew that right away. I could see through her. This was a ghost or perhaps I was dreaming. I jumped to the floor to face her. She was tall and slim and had a wild mass of red hair streaked with white. Of course. Red Mary had come to call.
“Was Jeremiah right? Are you going to use me to do him harm? Was I a fool to try to protect you?” I kept my distance. I had lost my dagger when Devlin found me and hadn’t thought to get another one from Jeremiah. Not that stabbing an apparition would do anything but make me look and feel foolish.
Red Mary moved closer, sending me back against the bed. “You are still suffering. Let me heal you.”
“You must be mad. First you sicken me, now I’m to trust you to heal me?” I scrambled around the foot of the four-poster bed and ignored the cold air when her hand brushed mine.
“Child, you were right in what you told your man. He ended the bastard who betrayed me. I am in Campbell’s debt.” She was murmuring words and I felt that rush of cold air run from my head to my toes. Prickles of awareness made me want to scrub my skin raw. But I couldn’t move.
“So you will leave Jeremiah alone now.” I could barely speak. “What are you doing to me?” I wanted to scream. But if I cried out for help, my lover would be here and see this thing, this ghostly figure, and know we were dealing with dark magic.
“Taking away the poison. I had to use a black spell to keep Devlin from having you. It worked, did it not?” She smiled and finally moved back toward the fire.
My knees went weak and I crawled onto the bed and wrapped a heavy coverlet around me. “Yes, it worked. I pray to the gods that you have pulled that evil out of me for good now.” I did feel better, lighter.
“Gods. I have not heard that word in a while.” She came closer again and picked up my hand. It wasn’t real, just a cold feeling, but when I tried to jerk away, resist, I could not. She drew it to her nose and inhaled. “Interesting. I wish I could taste you. Cook you in a pot.” She laughed at what must have been my look of horror. “Oh, calm yourself. I have no need of that. You are not a simple mortal turned vampire, I can tell. You are keeping a secret for me so I will keep yours. Nor will I harm you. You have my word.”
“Ah, so I am to trust you.” I was finally able to snatch my hand away from the apparition’s grasp.
“You may.” She nodded. “You could have sent an army to my home. You did not. So you and your man are safe. If you have reason to need me, I am at your service.” She waved her hands as if in a blessing then began to fade. “For a fee of course.” With a final laugh, she disappeared.
I lay back, my heart racing. It took a lot for a vampire’s heart to race. Talking to an evil witch had done it for me. As I gradually calmed, I realized I felt better than I had in a while. She had truly taken away the dark spell and given me back my health. I didn’t need to pull away the wooden shutter at the window to know that night lingered outside. Still in just my shift, I walked over to the door and eased it open.
Jeremiah lay on the furs in front of the fire. He must have heard the door open and looked to see what I wanted. He had taken off his boots and weapons and had on just his shirt and hose. Of course he looked good to me. He had killed Devlin. For me and for himself, of course. We had not celebrated that yet. We really should do that.
I didn’t need to say anything, just held out my hand. He was on his feet and by my side in an instant.
“You look better. A bit of rest did you good.” He picked me up and carried me back to the bed. “I want to hold you during the day. I know I cannot protect you then, but it makes me feel better.”
“It makes me feel better as well, Jeremiah.” I let him settle me under the covers and waited for him to join me. “Will you kiss me? I need to feel you next to me. Know that you still love me even if I look a horror.”
“I will always love you, Gloriana.” He pressed his lips to mine, treating me as if I would break if he demanded more. Then he pulled me against him, wrapping his arms around me.
“I’m sorry I railed at you. It has been a long night. Tell me what to expect in Edinburgh.” I laid my head on his chest and waited. He did not answer right away.
“It might be awkward, my love.” His chest rose and fell under my cheek. Jeremiah Campbell had sighed. This was not something he did very often.
“Why is that?”
“It seems that the king did send a note. I did not invent that.” Jeremiah’s hand stroked my back. Trying to soothe me. Why?
“And what was in that note?” I was almost afraid to ask.
“King Jamie calls me to him because he is anxious to form alliances during this Yuletide season.”
“Alliances.” We’d had this conversation. “Alliances like arranging marriages?”
“Well, yes.”
“Surely he knows you are not open to an arrangement.”
“I cannot tell our king no.”
I sat up. “What do you mean? Are you going to marry someone in Edinburgh?” The tone rose so high in my astonishment, my voice could have pierced the heavens.
“Now, Gloriana. I told you these things are complicated.”
“They are not complicated. You simply vanish. We go south instead of north. You send a runner who claims you cannot be found.” I studied his face in the firelight. “But mayhap this bride pleases you. You are hot to make this arrangement.” I was on my knees now, punctuating my statements with a finger to his chest. He even winced I poked him so hard.
“The only woman I am hot for is here in this bed.” He made the mistake of reaching for me.
“Oh, no, sir. I will not be cozened. Tell me all or Valdez and I will take horses and ride out. Where to, I know not. Thank you for giving me a comely bodyguard. If you can pick a bride, surely I can amuse myself with someone of his ilk.” I dashed away a tear. Damn me for a weak female. Jeremiah had on his stoic let-her-get-this-out-of-her-system look. No, I could not let this go. If he thought I would merrily abide in Edinburgh as his mistress while he went through some sham contract for marriage…
I fell back on the bed and stared at the canopy overhead. What choice did I have? He had to play the game to protect his clan. I dared not challenge his loyalty to that. He had explained it. He and his brothers took turns. This must be his time to do his duty. I lay there, my mind dragging out the problem and trying different solutions before discarding each one. He was wise enough not to touch me.
“I will go through the motions of complying with the king’s wishes but there will be no wedding, I promise you that. I have no choice. The king sent me a name. I know the clan and the woman. It is an advantageous match but I happen to know the lady is drawn to another man. If you will help me, we will make sure this works for everyone entangled in this web.” He held his hand above us, silently asking me to take it.
“A web. And the spider spinning it is King James.” This time I was the one who sighed. “I wish you’d shown me the note.”
�
��I’d planned to do that right after the wedding celebration. You know what happened then.” He turned to face me. “Will you help me untangle this?”
“Plotting against this arrangement will not put you in danger, will it?” I rolled toward him to look into his eyes.
“Of course not. As I said, this is not the first marriage I have wiggled out of. I’m determined not to be trapped.” He still held his hand out to me. “Please, Gloriana. Help me.”
“As if you need help.” But I put my hand in his. “This woman had better not be pretty.”
“She is. But not as pretty as you are. And she cannot capture my heart. It is already taken.” He leaned forward to kiss me. As always, his taste and skill undid me. Soon we were entwined, needing each other.
Would I help him? Of course. Too bad for the proposed bride if the only way to get rid of her meant a meeting with me. I was not in a mood to be kind.
15
Edinburgh was all hills and stone streets. It was bustling with people and horses, carriages struggling down the narrow lanes. Edinburgh Castle sat atop Castle Rock and loomed over the town. It was a fortress that was obviously ancient. To my surprise, the Campbell townhouse was close enough to it that we could have walked up the steep street to King Jamie’s court. But that wouldn’t do, of course.
Jeremiah’s rider came back from Castle Campbell with two horses loaded down with our luggage. After being informed of our trip to Edinburgh, Mag had packed up Jeremiah’s room, including everything I’d brought with me from London. There would not be any sign left that I had ever stayed in the castle. Jeremiah considered this thoughtful. I knew it was Mag’s way of showing she hoped I never came back.
No matter. I had my court dresses and was glad of it. I also had Mercy, who was thrilled to be in Edinburgh for the first time. She had arrived with the horsemen and wouldn’t stop chattering about the possibility of seeing the king. Not that I was sure I should be seen at court. Did Jeremiah think flaunting his mistress—yes, I’d come to terms with that—as he was entering into negotiations for a marriage contract was good form? He claimed no one would care as long as he pretended to do the king’s bidding.
Real Vampires: A Highland Christmas (The Real Vampires series Book 14) Page 18
