Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) (6 page)

The seedy bar was empty save for the drunken soul huddled in a back booth. Once again, Jake sat across from Andre Morrow. “You said a day, Andre,” Jake whispered menacingly, his voice punctuated by a crash of thunder. “It’s been a week. I want my information.”

A part of him wanted the man to say he had no information so Jake could have his physical release, but Andre came through. “Your box is in the King’s quarters on the third floor west wing. And, you’re in luck.”

“How so?” Jake questioned.

“The room has been empty since the deaths of the King and Queen,” Andre smiled proudly. “No soul ever steps foot through the doors. You shouldn’t be interrupted if you’re stealthy.”

“Good work, Andre,” Jake tossed a small bag of coin in front of the man as payment.

“You seem disappointed,” Andre muttered absently as he counted his bounty.

Jake ignored the remark, walking out of the bar and into the storm once again. He was pleased with the information, especially since he knew the room of which Andre spoke and the large tree he would climb to reach its private balcony. However, Jake still felt restrained. He wanted a fight; a method of release. Pulling his collar up to protect the skin at his nape from the cold rain, Jake focused on what needed done.

He would go to the castle that night, during the royal summer ball the Prince was hosting. The guards would be busy with guests and distracted, so none would pay mind to an odd individual walking the grounds. With all luck, Jake should be in and out in a matter of minutes, then on his way out to sea before anyone noticed something was amiss. Not that notification was an issue if, as Andre said, the room hadn’t been touched in years, but Jake was cautious.

Once back in his quarters aboard the Crimson Jewel, Jake changed out of his sodden clothes and into a fresh pair of pants. He left his chest bare as he lay on his bed in an attempt to get some rest before his heist. Jake hadn’t slept well in days, his dreams filled with images of a brown haired woman with innocent, sad eyes.

It was a week since he watched Anna walk away from him, knowing he would not see her again. During his waking hours, Jake knew he made the right choice in not pursuing her. His dreams, however, wouldn’t allow him to forget her eyes when she told him of the loss of her family. Jake excused his ache to see her in the dark of night as the want of helping a sweet, innocent woman find her way home.

He knew it was best she hadn’t taken him up on the offer of returning her home. Not that she would have agreed to travel with his mates once she found out the truth. And, she would find out the truth. Jake’s status as a Pirate would be clear the moment she stepped on board his Crimson Jewel. The thought of her disappointed and perhaps even disgusted expression when she learned the truth upset Jake more than it should have. He enjoyed the look of admiration he’d seen in Anna’s eyes when she called him a good man. Jake preferred to remember her that way, untouched and unspoiled by the truth.

Chapter Six

The rain and wind cleared, but the clouds remained, making the night of the ball dark and hazy. The guests arrived in droves, dressed in the finest gowns and suits Anna ever saw. She hid in her bedroom, watching from the window as they arrived in carriages, on horseback, in strange vehicles and some by flight. Music began to play through the castle, echoing down hallways and through every room.

“Anna,” Friga spoke from the doorway. “Are you ready?”

Anna turned and looked at the woman, dressed in her normal grays. “As I’ll ever be,” Anna answered quietly.

“Oh, child, you look absolutely stunning!” Friga fawned.

Anna’s blue and sapphire gown clung tight to her torso, the narrow bands around her shoulders looking the part of narrow sleeves, but serving no purpose. Silver stitching gave the dress the impression of shimmering as it flared out at her hips, cascading in a flowing swirl to her ankles. When Friga brought her the garment, Anna believed the dress far too elaborate. After seeing some of what was worn to a royal ball, Anna understood why Friga insisted.

“Thank you, Friga,” Anna offered with a shy smile, unused to being complimented. While she always knew her family loved and was proud of her, there was little need for glamour or pretty clothes in her small town. And, Richard never seemed interested in Anna’s appearance.

“I have a gift for you,” Friga came toward Anna with a sly smile.

Anna watched the woman’s approach as she pulled a small object from her pocket. Friga held out the item, a glass globe filled with swirling blue, green, black and silver clouds. “Oh, Friga,” Anna exclaimed as she grew entranced by the constant swirling item. “It’s beautiful.”

“I’m pleased you like it,” Friga nodded her approval as Anna placed the globe on the stand by her bed.

“Thank you,” Anna smiled gratefully.

“You’re welcome, child.” Friga smiled. “Take your time and come down when you’re ready. I’ll inform Prince Char.”

Anna nodded at the woman, grateful for her understanding. She turned away from the door Friga closed behind her and returned to her window. Anna looked off into the distance, seeing rows of lights heralding the arrival of dozens more guests. She didn’t relish the idea of being in such a large crowd, always preferring her own company and solitude over socialization, but Anna knew she was expected. As Char said, even if she didn’t enjoy the pomp and glamour of the ball, it was a distraction.

***

“Do you think she could ever be happy here?” Char asked of his caretaker, restlessly pacing the floor of his office.

“Of course, Highness,” Friga smiled reassuringly.

“She just sits in her room staring out the window,” Char complained. “Perhaps, she would be better off somewhere else.”

“You wish to send her away?” Friga asked with concern.

“No, of course not,” Char shook his head. “But, it isn’t about what I want; it’s about what’s best for Anna.”

Char had considered the option for days, since Anna cried in his arms. He did not want her to leave, but his concern for her well-being grew by the day. Anna rarely ate and sat up at all hours of day and night staring out the window. Char knew she was in pain, but surely there was a better place for her to recover than as a hermit in a castle.

Anna requested freedom to come and go as she pleased days before, but only left the castle one evening. Since her return just after dark that night, she hadn’t ventured from the grounds; rarely leaving her room. Char was glad he didn’t need to pace his chambers awaiting her return as he had then. However, he now worried over Anna’s decent into a deeper depression. Char wanted to help her and if that meant sending her away, so be it.

“It is best for Anna to be here with you, Highness.” Friga argued.

“She may be happier elsewhere. There may be others who know the right things to say and do to bring her from this darkness she’s in,” Char insisted. “There are many lands in the realm far nicer than Meridelle.”

“Anna is trying to accept the loss of her family and her entire world, Highness. Sending her away from all she has known here would be a mistake.” Friga patted his arm. “It will take time, but she will find happiness again.”

“I hope so,” Char mumbled distractedly, thinking over the sad woman in his care.

The gray woman placed her hand on the doorknob in preparation to leave, but turned back. “You have an interest in her,” Friga announced knowingly.

“Anna does not need my interest, Friga,” Char shook his head with a sad smile.

“And, what is it you feel she needs?” Friga asked.

“She needs my patience, my friendship,” Char paused, “and my protection.”

“Anna will be down shortly, Highness,” Friga excused herself. “Is there anything more you need?”

“No, Friga,” Char waved her out. “Thank you.”

Friga bowed her head as she exited the office, Char following her shortly after. He stood at the base of the large stairway leading to the upper levels of the castle, greeting guests as they entered through the main doors. After several formal greetings, Char noticed those entering were staring past him toward the stairs. The vision of Anna descending the large, curving stairs was remarkable and Char smiled affectionately.

“Anna,” Char greeted her by taking her hands in his and placing a plutonic kiss on her cheek. “You look breathtaking.”

“Thank you,” Anna’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “There are so many people.”

“Yes,” Char looked around them at the throng of people who moved around the couple. “This is the event of the season. Meridelle is famous for our summer ball.”

Anna looked uncomfortable in the busy atmosphere and Char quickly tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. A protective instinct settled over him as he led her through the double doors into the ballroom. The ball, as usual, did not disappoint.

The room was decorated in streamers and beaded chains of silver, sapphire and black; the royal crest colors of Meridelle. Tables circled the room, their black covers contrasting elegantly against the silver dishes and glasses atop them. In the center of the tables was the dance floor, constructed from black marble tile. At the far end of the room was the stage, where a string quartet played classical music.

To the far left, near the large wall of glass doors leading to the courtyard set a large buffet table. The spread ran from one end of the room to the other with breaks between tables to mark appetizers, main dishes, desserts and beverages. Even with the buffet, servers wound through the crowd, offering appetizers and taking orders for drinks.

Char moved with Anna toward the center of the room, careful to keep her close and secure at his side. He knew the woman preferred solitude, but hoped such a diverse crowd would force Anna to forget about her loss for a short time. A few friendly guests came to greet them, affectionately welcoming Anna without hesitation. Char could see Anna’s uncertainty fade as more people and magical creatures showed her such warmth. He smiled at her growing enjoyment of the evening, leaving her to greet a particularly important dignitary from the Southern lands of the realm as a friendly shifter was describing its history.

When he returned, Char brought Anna a glass of cava, a bubbling, lightly alcoholic beverage he thought she might enjoy. Anna finished the glass and several others which were offered, each seeming to calm her further until Char noticed she was smiling. Not the half smiles she gave in the three weeks since her arrival, but a genuine, happy smile.

***

The music swirled around the mingling guests, but few bothered with the dance floor. Most were happy conversing with creatures and peoples from around the realm. Anna even admitted to enjoying her conversations with some of the guests. She heard stories about far off lands and magical creatures she never knew existed outside of fantasy.

The alcoholic drinks Anna was accepting blurred her mind, leaving her in a pleasant state of euphoria, but at the mercy of her indifference. Believing her quick reaction to be worsened by her empty stomach, Anna managed to excuse herself and claim a few small appetizers from the buffet tables. She stood near the glass doors, feeling her equilibrium and control returning as her eyes sought out Char. The Prince stood in a throng of regally dressed older men, their deep conversation leaving no doubt they did not wish to be interrupted.

“Good evening, my lady,” a tall, sandy haired man stepped to her side.

“Good evening,” Anna repeated, still feeling happy enough from the alcohol to greet him a bit too warmly.

“I am Sir David Marcus of Drivaria,” David extended a hand for her to claim.

“Anna,” Anna replied, taking his hand and allowing him to place a kiss on her knuckles. “Anna Blake.”

“It is a pleasure, Miss Blake,” David stood and released her hand, straightening his white and olive green dress coat as he cleared his throat. “I was hoping you would do me the honor of a dance?”

“Oh,” Anna exclaimed. Fearing spinning on the black tiles of the dance floor would worsen her buzz, Anna shook her head. “I couldn’t, Sir Marcus, maybe later. I think I need to get a breath of fresh air.”

Feeling she should be in more control of her faculties, Anna excused herself and pushed through one of the glass doors at her back. The cool night breeze was refreshing compared to the heat and odors of perfume and herbs in the ballroom. Taking a few steps to the edge of the large terrace, Anna leaned heavily on the railing around the half circle structure. While Anna didn’t mind meeting new peoples, it was a relief to find solitude and Anna sighed.

“At least the rains stopped for the evening,” Sir Marcus’s voice came from behind her.

“Oh,” Anna jumped around in shock, not expecting to have been followed.

“May I join you?” Sir Marcus asked the question, but was standing beside her before Anna could answer.

“Um, sure,” Anna mumbled unnecessarily before they descended into a deep, uncomfortable silence.

“Fresh air does seem to be a fair idea,” Sir Marcus broke the silence. “It is so loud in the ballroom, how can anyone hope to have a worthy conversation? Out here is much more intimate.”

A strange gleam entered Sir Marcus’s eyes, but in the lack of light and with her mind still slightly impaired, Anna wasn’t able to tell what it was. The man took Anna’s hands from the railing, clasping them in his own, white-gloved grasp. Anna suddenly wished for the loud crowd of the ball over the dark openness of the courtyard. She only hoped she had enough mental clarity to find a way out of her current situation without hurting the man’s feelings.

***

Jake pushed passed several people on the way to the royal ball, his presence going ignored as he knew it would. In a crowd this size, it was not uncommon to see a man dressed in black walking the castle grounds. He slipped easily through the gates and made his way to the west corner of the castle.

As he walked, the grounds grew dark and empty, the majority of guests keeping to the main areas of the castle. Jake welcomed the shadows, moving ever closer to the stone wall until he reached the tall tree at the corner of the west wing. He glanced around the yard, looking for any kind of movement which would warn of discovery. Finding no one paying him attention, Jake scaled the tree. The branches narrowed closer to the balcony, but they were still wide enough to support his weight. A short leap landed Jake right where he wanted to be.

The glass doors to the royal chambers were locked, forcing Jake to break the glass to enter. He remained on the balcony, concealed in shadow for several moments to ensure his deed wasn’t heard before continuing into the room. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the dark interior and Jake slowly took in the layout.

The bedroom was large with a massive bed along the wall to his left. A dresser was pressed to the wall at his right, the mirror atop it hosting a film of dust so thick it would not reflect. A set of soft, cloth chairs rested beside him at the balcony doors, a short table between them. However, it was the cabinet across from him which held Jake’s interest.

The curio cabinet sat next to the door leading into the castle, its glass doors revealing the treasures inside. Jake saw his mother’s music box almost immediately, sitting in obscurity on the bottom shelf of the cabinet. He moved slowly toward it, opening the pane of glass separating him from his prize and claiming it reverently. Jake brushed dust from the rounded box before opening it, listening to the quiet music he went nearly two decades without hearing. He blamed the prickling in his eyes on a reaction to dust as he placed the box carefully into the satchel he held over his shoulder and across his chest.

Jake looked around the room once more, thinking of the man who once slept there; the man who destroyed his mother, his life and his happiness. King Edward hadn’t beaten his mother to death, but it was the man’s heartlessness which forced Julissa Reynolds back to the abusive arms of the man who had. The King was a heartless man, obsessed with his own wealth and power. He demanded loyalty and respect, but never did anything to deserve either. The King hadn’t deserved what was given to him in life just as he hadn’t deserved the swiftness of his own death.

Jake debated taking more of the treasures from the cabinet, but his own disgust of who they belonged to didn’t allow him to stomach the thought. He wanted no part of the King; nothing to remind him the man ever existed. King Edward received much attention in life, but Jake refused to honor him with any thought in death. With a last, sickened look around the bedroom, Jake returned to the balcony and slipped down the tree.