A Pirate Princess Page 19

  “Probably another ten days,” he answered nonchalantly.

  “Only ten days?” Cori screeched, suddenly upset.

  Burke did not understand her obviously unhappy reaction, “Yes, why? What is wrong?”

  “It took my father nine or ten months to sail from Cuba to France when my mother was pregnant! I expected that we would have several more months together. Not just ten days!” She wailed, close to tears.

  Burke wrapped one arm around her shoulders as he explained, “It was almost nineteen years ago when Marin made this trip with your mother. Back then, ships like The Beloved Loss were built much slower than they are now. They were big, hefty and resistant, but they were not fast. Now, ships like The Heart of Calais can make the trip from Cuba to France in less than a month. Even after your father had The Beloved Loss updated into a speedier vessel after your mother’s death, it is still slowing The Heart of Calais down by several weeks.”

  He shrugged, “Besides, we are traveling in the summer. If you were born in February, your father must have traveled all through the fall and winter. The winter months are a sailor’s worst nightmare. Ice storms, snow storms, blizzards, so many things can happen to slow a ship down.”

  “Oh Burke, I am nowhere near prepared to arrive in France!” Cori cried in shock.

  “What do you have left to do? The ship is in perfect shape to be sold, the prisoners are ready for judgment, and you will be staying at my home in Calais until you decide where to go from there. There’s no hurry, I shall spend the first several days in Versailles and you’ll have plenty of time to settle on a travel location!” He soothed.

  Tears ran down Cori’s cheeks, “No, I’m not ready to tell you goodbye. Let’s face it, you shall probably marry Odelia while you are in Versailles turning the prisoners in. Her father will not wait much longer than that! When you come back, if I’m still at your home in Calais, Odelia shall be accompanying you. I must tell you goodbye forever within two weeks!”

  “Cori, what can I do to show you that I’m going to find some way out of my marriage to Odelia? I don’t want to marry her. Plus, you promised to let me court you if I can get out of the union,” he said, shaking his head.

  “Yes, Burke! If you can get out of a union I will still have you for a little while. I have yet to hear you tell me any plan that might make that work. What do you think you’re going to do, get to France and have a clear ticket out? I doubt it happens like that,” she said with her hands on her hips.

  “What do you mean ‘for a little while’?” He asked, changing the subject.

  “I mean, if you decided to court me you would still be ready for another sea voyage soon. I won’t be able to keep you in France and I’m still undecided with how I feel about remaining a pirate!” She stomped.

  “Why do you keep calling me a pirate? I’m not a pirate, Cori. I’m a captain, a sea trader, a sailor, and a shipping company owner, but I am not a pirate!” He tried to remind her.

  She still didn’t understand that there was any difference, “Pirate, Buccaneer, Privateer, whatever you want to call it is fine with me. It’s still an illegal career where men steal, kill, and attack to make a living. You run from the law, and receive a prison sentence if you get caught! I don’t want to live like that. The rest of my life could have dignity if I chose to remain on land. I keep hearing how good you are and how you’re not like everyone else. If I had my way I would see you every day for eternity, but I’m just not sure if I’m willing to give up my dream of being legal and respectable!”

  With that, and the tears flooding her eyes, she ran to her quarters. Burke stood at the helm in complete confusion. She thinks I’m a pirate. That’s why she keeps saying that, because she doesn’t understand that you can be a legal sea trader! Burke took a few steps to follow her, planning to explain the situation. Then he changed his mind. No, that’s a good test. If Cori loves me enough she shall stay with me, no matter what my career is. Odelia only loves me for being a Count. Perhaps Cori will love me no matter what I am. If she loves me enough to stay with me thinking I’m a pirate, then she’ll truly deserve to be a Count’s wife.

  A week later Burke and Acel traded ships again. This time, it was so that Burke could speak to the prisoners about their cooperation during the King’s judgment. Falco sat on the far side of a room behind a tall stack of Persian rugs. Sharlene sat on the other side of the rugs, close enough that she could talk to Falco but not able to see him. Klaas and Zeeman sat together in the middle of the room where they were originally placed.

  Shrugging off Falco’s seclusion as a strange need for privacy, Burke began his speech. Falco and Sharlene glared at Burke with a wicked smile upon their faces. “We should reach Calais in the next few days. Once we arrive, I shall take you immediately to Versailles. King Louis is extremely forgiving but not patient at all. If you’re smart you will be on your best behavior and ask him to take pity on you. If you do that, you may be forgiven of your crimes and released quickly with fair treatment while you’re in prison. If you annoy King Louis, I promise you shall never see daylight again. Understand?”

  Sharlene and Falco still glared. Finally, Falco snarled his nose and spoke “I will not be incarcerated; I can assure you of that.”

  “Why do you think that?” Burke asked, not amused.

  “I’m not at liberty to say. However, I shall give you a little hint. The Beloved Loss and Cori will both be mine soon. You shall have your hands quite full with a family of your own,” he rattled, not making much sense to Burke.

  “Whatever you want to think,” Burke shrugged, walking out of the room and locking the door behind him.

  Sharlene laughed derisively, “You and I will be free in no time, my boy.”

  “Ja, we will.” Falco growled with clenched teeth.

  Three days later, Burke woke Cori during the night. “Cori?” He asked, peeping through her door.

  “Yes?” She asked from the bed, trying to cover herself in a ladylike fashion.

  “I just spotted land. We shall be arriving in Calais in a couple hours at the most. You should get ready. Acel will escort you to my home in Calais, Quain shall be taking Odelia to Le Havre, Yvet and Laron will be released, I shall bring the captives to Versailles, and the rest of the crew will stay behind to unload the ship.” Burke explained in haste.

  “Just give me one moment,” she politely commanded.

  Burke nodded understandingly, “Sure, I shall see you on deck in a moment.”

  Acel, sailing The Heart of Calais directly behind The Beloved Loss, spotted France only moments after Burke did. He announced to the crew that they were almost home. Odelia was the happiest of all. She smiled from ear to ear with a mischievous grin that would have concerned anyone who saw her.

  Her trip had been a successful one, in her opinion. Keeping Burke tangled in her web, refusing to let him slip away, was the whole purpose of going on the mission. Odelia was afraid that King Louis would pity Burke and let him out of the union if she stayed in France. However, going with him insured that her reputation was on the line. She had no doubt that she succeeded in snaring him even further into her grasp through this trip. The snotty blond packed her belongings quickly, hoping for a speedy departure to Le Havre.

  When she was done and only a few minutes from the shore, she grabbed the small silver key hidden under her pillow. The precious little object was her answer to every locked door, trunk or case on the ship. It was also to thank for creating her ingenious plan to keep Burke. Odelia crept up the stairs and across the deck. She knew before The Heart of Calais docked that there was one person she needed to say farewell to, and one small favor she promised to carry out.

  Several minutes later Cori appeared in front of Burke at the helm of The Beloved Loss. “Our journey is at an end, I suppose.” Cori said solemnly.

  “Yes, our first journey. I hope we have several more,” Burke cheered positively, hoping that King Louis had decided to relieve Burke of his forced union to Odelia.

/>   “I do too,” She whispered inaudibly.

  “When you leave the ship, follow Acel closely. I will have Karoly helping me with the prisoners, but I don’t want to risk Falco getting lose and trying to harm you. When I spoke to them a few days ago, he seemed over confident about his freedom. I’m sure he’s just bluffing but I don’t want to risk your safety,” he said with a soft shrug.

  “Alright, Burke. How long might it be until I see you again?” She asked.

  “Probably only two or three days if all goes well!” He said. “I’m hoping that the King will pardon me from my marriage as a gift for this successful trip. If that’s true, we shall be spending plenty of time together soon. You still plan to let me court you, correct?” Burke questioned hopefully.

  Cori giggled, turning red. “Yes, I suppose.”

  Soon, the ship was docking in Calais and although dark, Cori was amazed at the beauty of the country. Odelia ran off of The Heart of Calais, jumping for joy when she reached the ground. That proved too much for the poor girl and she doubled over in sickness again. “She shall be fine,” Burke whispered to Cori in amusement. “Her stomach is just weak from the trip. Sailing most certainly isn’t the life for her.”

  Quain rushed behind Odelia, hoping to avoid her wrath by taking her to Le Havre immediately. Odelia rushed to Burke’s side, squeezing between him and Cori. “I shall see you soon, darling. The wedding is only days away, nonetheless.” She cooed sarcastically, glaring at Cori. Odelia held Burke’s key to the storage room in her hand, rolling it around in her palm, hidden from everyone’s view.

  Burke just rolled his eyes. “Good luck to you, Corisanda. You’re going to need it,” Odelia chuckled meanly as she threw a small, silver object into the water. Burke wondered what she had thrown, but dismissed it as nothing of importance.

  “Be careful,” Burke whispered as he patted Cori on the back. She hugged him goodbye and rushed to follow Acel to Burke’s home. Burke waited several minutes, wanting Cori a safe distance away before he dealt with the prisoners. However, she lagged behind several times, fascinated by the different world she was in. There were stores and shops everywhere! Enormous, beautiful homes sat all over the town. Not just huts, or ship quarters, but giant houses! She was amazed and could not keep up with Acel. After him urging and urging, Cori was barely off of the dock when she heard shouts behind her. Recognizing Burke’s voice, she turned around to run back to him.

  Cori soon regretted her decision. Falco was lose and running straight toward her. He grabbed her arm forcefully as he reached her and threw her over his shoulder, running toward town. He pulled a gun out of his pants pocket and aimed it straight at Burke. “She’s mine!” he screamed irately.

  “PUT HER DOWN!” Burke yelled, unable to contain his fear and anger. Acel raced behind and stood a distance behind Cori and Falco, waiting for any signal Burke gave him.

  Falco chuckled, “You want her a lot, huh? She shall be punished for playing a tease with you. Let me go or I will shoot her. Don’t chase us either. I demand for my crew to be returned to me! The Beloved Loss is mine now. Let us pass or Corisanda gets a bullet.”

  Cori was ghostly white, scared to death. Her heart pounded in her chest and she didn’t know what to do. She worried about Burke, knowing that Falco wouldn’t board The Beloved Loss until he had his revenge on the dark haired man. Burke worried for Cori. He couldn’t let Falco take her but he couldn’t let him shoot her either. “Let me speak to my men,” Burke pleaded.

  “No, just let us go!” Falco demanded.

  “We have your crew in our custody, let me order their release and we will let you go,” he suggested, hoping to sound honest.

  “Hurry up,” Falco grumbled, shaking Cori roughly in his arms.

  Burke turned to Davet and Karoly in a gruff whisper, “How did he get a gun?”

  Karoly shook his head in confusion, “Someone left the gun-trunk open. He must have known it because he rushed straight for it when he slipped out of my grasp. Someone must have left it open for him.”

  “That’s impossible. No one has been in contact with him but you and me. Oh well, we shall worry about that later. When I grab Cori, you grab Falco. Just go along with me,” Burke decided.

  No one but Burke was sure of the plan, but it had to work! Burke hoped he sounded honest, “Alright, we will let you go. We don’t want to be outnumbered for our own safety, so we shall let you pass with Cori. When you get on the boat we’ll release Sharlene, Klaas, and Zeeman.”

  Falco pointed the gun at him as he walked slowly toward them, then in a dead sprint he ran between the three men. Ignoring the gun, Burke grabbed Cori’s arm and jerked her toward him. Falco spun on his heels, trying to regain his balance and tighten his hold on Cori. It was too late; Karoly grabbed him by the back and tackled the man into the water. The brawl was fierce but Acel and Davet jumped in and helped Karoly fight Falco back onto the dock. Burke hugged Cori tightly, glad she was safe. “YOU ARE STUPID!” Falco screamed at Burke. “You don’t realize what has happened right under your nose, you fool! But you will soon, don’t worry. I shall be free, Corisanda will be mine, and you will be miserable. This part of my plan may not have gone perfectly but the rest of my wrath is still to come. It won’t fail! Believe me! You’re doomed, and so are you Mevrouw. You can be sure of that!”

  Acel looked at Burke questioningly, and Burke swallowed hard, hoping that Falco was lying. He seemed assured, and that was terrifying. “Change of plans,” Burke whispered to Acel as Karoly tied Falco’s arms behind his back again. “I shall take Cori home. You take the prisoners to Versailles and I will meet you there tomorrow.”

  Acel quickly nodded, knowing that Burke needed to protect Cori from whatever plan Falco had devised. The couple ran through the streets, not allowing Cori to dawdle. She stared at the houses as they ran, soaking in the beauty of each one. Finally, they reached a long, country lane. Assuming they were taking a side route to get away, Cori followed closely. The long lane was flowing, turning back and forth, back and forth, until finally reaching an enormous black gate. To Cori’s surprise, Burke swung it open. “Where are we?” She asked.

  Burke whispered two words, explaining everything. “Welcome home.”

  The land was more beautiful than anything Cori had ever seen in her life. The grass was bright green and hundreds of flowers decorated the enormous yard. A colossal mansion sat on a hill, past the brightly colored flowers and green grass. It was a beautiful home, covered in rock. She had never seen anything like the house before. Out of the beautiful townhouses she saw on the way, this home was larger than most of them put together. In the distance Cori could hear waves crashing, and quickly realized how close it sat to the water.

  Going downhill from the front, where Cori and Burke stood in at the gate was the arrangement of colorful flora but going downhill to the back was nothing but large beautiful rocks descending steeply and ending on the beach. The ocean waves crashed behind the home, close enough to hear, smell, and nearly taste. “Oh, Burke.” Cori whispered, unable to voice her opinion.

  “I told you that you would like my home,” he chuckled.

  “It’s amazing. How do you afford this? You must be one heck of a pirate,” she babbled.

  Burke threw his head back in a loud laugh, “I shall explain later. Let’s go in.” He fumbled with the lock on the elegant, mahogany door until it slid open. “Usually,” he clarified, “I have a large staff of servants living here who take care of the manner. However, since I didn’t know how long we would be gone, I dismissed them all. I have a few who come a couple times a week and keep it clean but the rest will return now that I’m home.”

  Although it was late, Burke gave Cori a tour of his elegant house. He led her to the library, showing her more books than she had ever seen in her life. The dining room, study, and the bedroom chambers impressed her just as much. Finally, Burke showed her the Master Chambers, his own personal bedroom. “You shall sleep here,” he said, giving her the best room i
n the home. “I want you to enjoy it and decide to stay here permanently. I plan to stay awake tonight anyway, getting things ready for my short trip to Versailles. Rest well, Mademoiselle.”

  Burke’s giant, four post bed was enormous. The canopy top was elegant and for the first time in Cori’s life, she felt like a princess. She giggled to herself and thought I really am a Pirate Princess now. Minutes later, she was curled comfortably in the soft bed. She was still in such a state of shock that her thoughts flew around her as she tried to fall asleep. Falco’s terrifying threat, Burke’s gorgeous home, Marin’s easy escape, Odelia’s cruel warning, and her own future entangled her mind. Something does not add up, Cori worried as she finally fell asleep.

  When she awoke in the morning a brilliant ray of sunlight flooded through the room. She noticed that there were two large windows on either side of the bed. Walking to one window and peering out Cori saw the side of the bright green lawn and yellow, orange, red and pink flowers. Moving to the other window, she looked out at the coast and the warm ocean water splashing onto it. Dressing quickly she rushed downstairs to find Burke. “Burke?” She called with a smile. “Are you still here?”

  “You didn’t think I would leave without telling you goodbye, did you?” Burke chuckled, meeting her at the bottom of a massive mahogany staircase.

  “No,” she blushed. “Your home is amazing. It’s even lovelier than The Heart of Calais.”

  Burke laughed, “I’m glad you think so because I designed them both.”

  Cori marveled at the man she loved. The home was wonderful but it didn’t make Cori love him any differently. She wanted to be by his side either way. “Burke, I need to talk to you about something important,” she whispered excitedly.