A Pirate Princess Read online

  “Come then, let’s set out on the front porch.” He suggested, wondering what she wanted to say.

  When they walked through the front door and sat in the big, wicker chairs aligning the porch, Cori began. “Do you remember when I told you that I never want anything else to do with pirates?”

  “Yes, of course.” Burke replied in anguish.

  “Well, I have made up my mind. And I want you to know it has nothing to do with your home, or anything else. I’m amazed by you, Burke. I could never live without you, nor do I want to. I don’t care what your job is. I don’t care if we sail the seas or stay here on land. Wherever you go, I will follow. If you truly want to be with me, then I am yours,” she consented. “As long as you get out of marrying Odelia.”

  Burke bounded out of his chair and lifted Cori out of hers. He swung her around in circles with his heart racing in his chest as he held her tightly in his arms. Not able to wait any longer, Burke looked into Cori’s deep brown eyes and kissed her lips for the first time since she kissed him almost two months before on The Beloved Loss, coaxing him away from the fight with Falco. Cori kissed him back, also remembering their first kiss and how much more at ease and enjoyable the second one was. Both hearts raced and there was nothing that could tear them apart. He was hers, and she was his.

  He lowered himself to the ground, holding Cori on his lap. They smiled at each other in complete bliss, and Burke opened his mouth to speak. Shushing him, Cori put one of her fingers over his lips. Moving her hand, she softly rubbed the handsome little scar on his cheek. “I have one more thing to say,” she whispered in his ear. “I love you, Burke Landis Belcourt.”

  Burke felt that nothing in the world could ever have been more amazing than that minute in time. “I love you too, Corisanda Aleene St. Aubin.”

  A loud rattling noise interrupted the beautiful moment as a carriage flew down the twisting lane. Angry that the moment was ending, Burke rose to his feet, holding Cori’s hand in his own. “Who’s coming?” She asked.

  “I’m not sure,” he grumbled. “I must meet Acel and Karoly in Versailles. They should be there by now. Quain should not be back from Le Havre yet, unless he raced through the night! I don’t know who else it might be…”

  He had to wonder no longer, a carriage came into sight. Despite the odds, it was Quain. He raced toward the house, jumped off the carriage and ran to Burke’s side. “Burke,” he began, out of breath.

  “What’s going on, Quain? You shouldn’t be back until this evening? Where’s Odelia? Did you not take her home?” He asked.

  “Yes, I did. That’s why I am here. I was there long enough for her father to see her. I don’t know what you did or why you did it, but Odelia told her father that the marriage had to happen immediately. Because, because…” he stuttered.

  “Because why?” Burke demanded.

  “She says you made her pregnant, Burke.”

  Cori’s knees buckled and Burke’s own weak legs barely held her up. He eased her to the ground and stiffened his under him. “I DID NO SUCH THING!” He yelled when he finally found his voice.

  Cori’s world was crashing around her, “Why would she say that then?” Burke had no answer and they both looked toward Quain.

  “I’m not sure, but she swore to her father that you made her pregnant. I told her that it was impossible; you stayed on The Beloved Loss most of the way home. She said that the night you spent on The Heart of Calais when Karoly fixed a problem in the steering, right after we left Argentina, that you came into her room that night,” Quain explained.

  “I did not! She came into mine, but…” Burke began.

  Cori dropped her head to her hands before he could finish. That was enough of a confession for her. She ran into Burke’s home alone and locked herself into Burke’s grand bedchambers upstairs. A few minutes later, Burke knocked deliberately on the door. “Please let me explain,” he begged.

  Cori just cried in silence. Burke finally gave up, “I’m leaving, Cori. I have to get to Versailles and put an end to this rumor. I have to tell the King that it’s not true. She cannot be pregnant, Cori. I never touched her. I shall be back in a couple days, just wait for me. I love you.”

  Burke left immediately, as he said he would, to set the story straight between him and Odelia Vadeboncour, “Quain, I love Cori. I shall marry her and only her, one way or another. I never touched Odelia. You know I’m a man of my word and I’m honorable. If I got Odelia with child I would do the right thing by her and the baby, but I didn’t. She cannot truly be pregnant. She’s lying, Quain.”

  “I believe you, Burke.” Quain paused for a moment, not wanting to continue but knowing he should warn his friend, “Odelia is playing her story up and you shall have a hard time convincing Lord Orson, because he’s not happy about this at all.”

  They reached Versailles by early evening, meeting Acel and Karoly there. The two men were waiting expectantly on Burke’s arrival and rushed to him the moment the carriage arrived. “Odelia is already here,” Acel informed.

  “UGH!” Burke grunted. The world just seemed to be against him. “I never touched her,” he sighed to Acel.

  “We know, Burke. We know. And we will all testify for you, you know that!” Karoly consoled.

  “Let’s just get this over with,” Burke replied in confusion. “Did you have any trouble with the prisoners?”

  “No, thankfully. At least they all cooperated. Falco and Sharlene were suspiciously easy to deal with,” Acel answered in relief.

  Burke only nodded his approval and the four crewmen of The Heart of Calais entered King Louis XIV’s enormous Versailles Palace. Ten minutes later they were ushered to the King’s side in a large dining room. Odelia sat a few chairs down from the King, beside her father. Burke strolled passed them, purposely darting his eyes away. “Burke!” King Louis greeted with a smile on his face. “Thank goodness you’ve returned! You did an amazing job! I knew I could count on you when I wanted a job done right.”

  “Thank you. Louis, I want no payment. I forfeit the reward for bringing in the criminals; I forfeit the money you would have paid me for the job. All I want is my freedom. And what I mean by that is freedom from Odelia. I never touched the girl, you know I wouldn’t have done that,” Burke began.

  King Louis took a deep breath, feeling his friend’s pain. He knew that Burke hated Odelia and that he was not the one who took the girl’s innocence from her. “I must tell you the same way I told Odelia and Lord Orson earlier today. You deserve your freedom and there is absolutely no proof that you defiled Lady Odelia’s virtue. I planned on releasing you from the union when you returned from this trip. However, if Lady Odelia truly is pregnant then someone must marry her! She’s a Lady, Burke. That shame would haunt her and her family for centuries! Can you imagine her trying to raise a fatherless child? It would ruin her.”

  “I understand that and I agree. However, you should find the child’s real father, if she truly is pregnant. I’m not it!” Burke continued.

  Lord Orson rose from a chair, stuttering in anger “Now, wait just a minute boy! My daughter is a saint! She’s a good girl! She has never known any man besides you and you obviously thrust yourself upon her. You raped her! And you made her pregnant the second time around! Take responsibility!”

  “Lord Orson, with all due respect, if I got any woman with child or took a Lady’s innocence I would take care of her. Sir, I have never touched your daughter,” Burke tried.

  Orson shook his head, “We had a doctor inspect her when she first claimed that you stripped her of her virtue, and he agreed that she was no longer an innocent child!”

  Burke rolled his eyes, “That may very well be true! Odelia has slept with half of the country, to be sure. But I am not one of them!”

  “How dare you?” Odelia cried overdramatically as she threw her head into her hands, feigning outrage.

  “Furthermore, I hated the idea of you going on this trip. That was a scandalous notion in itself but you
demanded. I never touched you then either, and I don’t know if you’re pregnant or not but it’s certainly not my child if so!” Burke persisted.

  Lord Orson hugged his daughter believingly, “Fine then. Let’s solve this problem and get a doctor to examine her. She is pregnant, alright. I have seen her sick all morning!”

  King Louis nodded his head and motioned for a guard to escort Odelia to another room to meet the King’s personal physician. Lord Orson huffed indignantly and threw himself back into his chair. Acel tried to speak up in Burke’s defense, “King Louis, I don’t know if you shall believe us or not, but I can assure you that Burke was never near Odelia.”

  “Of course I believe you, Ace.” King Louis replied, “It’s just out of my hands…”

  “It cannot be out of your hands, you’re the King!” Acel demanded abruptly.

  Burke calmed his cousin down, begging pardon from King Louis. “I understand,” the King forgave. “As soon as this is over and done with then we will sentence your prisoners.”

  “Alright,” Burke mumbled.

  “No fear, Burke.” King Louis reassured, “You know how Odelia lies! She’s probably not pregnant after all, and when we have proof of that then you shall be as free as a bird.”

  Burke just nodded in hope. All he could think about was Cori in Calais, and if she was alright. I love Cori with all of my heart. I do not want to lose her now after working so hard to gain her.

  FIFTEEN

  Cori cried for over an hour, sobbing in Burke’s floor as if her heart had been ripped away and taken from her. Why did he do this to me? Why did he lead me to believe he loved me? He loves Odelia, after all! He wanted to marry her. He wanted a family with her. He used me to occupy his time on the journey! I was just a game to keep him from boredom before he was married.

  She wiped her eyes. Aunt Novia was right; men lie and play games to get what they want! What will I do now? I should have stayed in Cuba with my family, the people who actually love me! What shall I do in France without Burke or anyone I know? How can I get back to Cuba without Burke’s help?

  Cori was not sure what to do but after running herself a bath, fixing her hair, and changing into a clean set of clothes, she felt ready to resolve the issue. I do not know what I shall do, but I know I cannot stay here. Burke will probably be back tomorrow or the next day, I need to be as far away as possible by then. Hopefully I can be on my way to Cuba!

  Cori packed her few belongings and left Burke’s enormous home. As she walked through the beautiful yard she wondered what it would be like to call a home like that her own. The house was a dream to Cori. It was the perfect blend of sea and land, flowers and sand. She took a deep breath and made herself continue through the big black gate protecting the home from intruders. She walked down the winding road, thinking about Burke and wondering where he was or what he was doing. He should be in Versailles right now, judging my father’s crew and marrying Odelia!

  When she reached the busy streets of Calais she decided to go on a small adventure. Since the night before was chaotic and she didn’t have time to look at all of the beautiful shops and homes, this seemed like a grand time to do it. It occurred to Cori that she was stalling, hoping that Burke would rush into town and prove himself a good man after all. She shook her head, silently dismissing that idea.

  After walking through the town most of the evening, she sat down on a park bench staring at a small pond with ducks sitting on it. Time to think, Cori decided. I cannot let myself see Burke again. It would be humiliating to face his new wife. I must let them keep The Beloved Loss! He can sell it to someone else. As for me, I could stay in France alone, knowing no one, and with no money. Or, I could go to the dock and board a boat that can take me to Cuba.

  She took a deep breath, wondering which option would keep her furthest from Burke. Cori knew that Burke would now make ventures to each location, living in France and trading with Cuba. The question was which place would be the easiest to avoid him. A tear fell from her eye as she thought about never seeing Burke again. She loved him enough to do anything in the world to be with him, even if it meant being a despicable pirate for the rest of her life. Her heart belonged to him and she knew there would never be a way to get it back. This is how my father must have felt when he realized that he would never see my mother again.

  Cori decided that the best place for her would be Cuba where at least she would have family. She left the park and walked to the dock where The Heart of Calais and The Beloved Loss still sat. Minor repairs had been made to both, and her father’s ship had a FOR SALE BY BURKE BELCOURT sign on it. She felt her heart beat faster just by reading Burke’s name. Cooling her emotions and trying to hold her head high, she walked passed both boats to the next one in line. “Can I help you, Mademoiselle?” A man asked.

  “I hope so. Does this ship ever sail to Cuba?” She asked.

  “No, certainly not. There are too many pirates down there!” He stated.

  “I see. Do you know of any that do?” Cori questioned.

  “I’m not sure, some of these boats might if you ask. The best person to talk to is Captain Belcourt, he owns a large shipping company and I believe he goes everywhere. He’s in charge around here,” the man replied.

  Cori was not sure what to say, so she just smiled and said, “Thank you.”

  She walked further, passing boat after boat until she finally found another with a man standing in front of it. “Sir,” Cori called. “Do you take trips to Cuba?”

  “No way! I don’t want to be attacked by all of those buccaneers and pirates! That place is just a death trap!” He answered.

  “Oh, alright. Do you know anyone who might?” Cori continued, fearing his answer.

  The man nodded his head, “I would ask Captain Belcourt. He owns a bunch of ships and trades everywhere. You shall be safe with him. He’s rarely attacked and never beaten!”

  Cori sighed, “Okay, thanks.”

  At the end of the dock she met a red haired man standing in front of a shabby little vessel. “I suppose you don’t go to Cuba either,” she suggested.

  “Actually, I do! I just returned from Cuba this morning. My home is in Ireland, but I met a man in Cuba wanting to travel to France so I came here first. Can I help you with something?” He cheerily questioned.

  “Yes! I have family in Cuba. That’s where I’m from. Is there any way you could take me there?” She asked.

  The man shrugged, “Well, I shall be leaving for Jamaica in a couple days and could swing by Cuba to drop you off. Can you wait that long?”

  “I suppose, but I have nowhere to stay until then. Does your ship have any extra space?” Cori politely begged.

  “I don’t have much. My vessel is a small one, as you can see. However, since my most recent passenger has already left the ship and is staying at an Inn, my spare room is now empty. It would not hurt for you to get settled into your quarters. Come aboard and I will show you around. My name is Captain Douglass,” The man replied with a wave of his arm.

  Cori climbed aboard and walked around the small ship. It was an old vessel, even older than The Beloved Loss with very little extravagance. However, Cori knew it would get the job done and take her to Cuba for a speedy escape. She sat in her new quarters below the deck. It was cramped and tight, holding nothing but a small bed, and a bowl for sponge baths. Well, this certainly is not like Burke’s ship, but I guess it shall work.

  The room was silent. Burke paced from side to side, Lord Orson glared at everyone, Acel, Karoly and Quain sat in awkward anguish, and King Louis whispered silently to his guards. “Captain Belcourt,” he called.

  Burke walked to the King’s throne. “Yes, Lou?”

  “The doctor is taking a lot of time and I have many things to do today. I ordered my guards to retrieve the prisoners so they can await their sentence and we can get started as soon as this matter with Odelia is resolved,” he explained.

  “That sounds fine. I’m anxious to get home as well. If we c
an get all of this over with tonight I can be home by tomorrow.” Burke agreed.

  “If Odelia is pregnant, Lord Orson has asked for an immediate wedding. He says that you have put this off long enough and no one needs to know about Odelia’s pregnancy until she is securely married. She’ll be going home with you when you leave here,” the King said with pity.

  “That would be understandable, if she is pregnant. Trust me, she is not. I haven’t touched her,” Burke confidently answered.

  A few minutes later the door swung open. Guards walked in holding Falco, Sharlene, Zeeman, and Klaas. They were all placed next to each other on the far side of the room. Falco and Sharlene glared at Burke with the same strange look of deception on their faces that they had worn for days. Silence returned to the room and Burke took a deep breath, ready to go home to Cori.

  Finally the door opened again and the King’s personal physician entered the room and sat down, followed by Odelia. “WELL?” Burke, Acel, Quain, Karoly, Lord Orson, and King Louis prompted in unison.

  “Well, what?” The elderly physician asked.

  “IS SHE PREGNANT?” The group questioned again.

  “Oh, yes! She is certainly pregnant. About a month along, maybe two, I would say. Not far, but far enough to tell.” The doctor answered.

  Burke dropped to his knees, feeling weak. “I never touched you, Odelia! You know I never touched you. Why are you doing this to me? How did you convince the man you’re pregnant when you cannot be?” He demanded.

  “Of course you touched me, Burke! I’m a lady, I don’t lie! And I am pregnant! Now marry me,” she insisted.

  Burke sat with his head buried in his hands, wondering what to do. Acel, Quain and Karoly surrounded him trying to give him their comfort. “I don’t know what to do,” Burke whispered to them.

  “You have to marry her,” Acel said.

  King Louis spoke loudly for the room to hear, “We shall follow this evening with a wedding between Burke and Odelia. For now, let’s sentence Burke’s prisoners.”