(Glory St Clair 11) Real Vampires Say Read My Hips (26 page)

“What was it? In the pillows?”

“Cornelius says it’s henbane, whatever the hell that is. The sorcerer says it could have eventually caused death. For both of us.” Jerry helped me sit on my vanity stool. “He’s got an assistant who is taking the pillows out of there. Alesha swears she has the pillows made by the same supplier who serves the royals—Zeus and Hera.”

“I know Alesha wouldn’t hurt me, us. Let me talk to her.” I grabbed a wet washcloth and pressed it to my forehead then peeked in the bedroom to make sure there was none of that smell left. Cornelius sat in a chair next to the bed. He stood when we entered.

“You both could have died. Now we know why you’ve had such a difficult time getting your strength back, Blade.” Cornelius looked grim. “Lady Gloriana, how long have you been feeling unwell?”

“It really just started a day or so ago.” Or had it? I’d had symptoms I’d hoped meant I was pregnant. Now I knew they couldn’t have been from that. I tried to think. But it wasn’t easy when I was still weak from what I’d been through this day.

“Someone tampered with your pillows.” Cornelius gestured and we walked into the sitting room. Alesha was there with a stack of fresh pillows.

“I have the replacements for you to inspect, Master Cornelius. I ran to get these myself, from Lady Hera’s own stores.” Alesha looked at me with glistening eyes. “I swear to you, mistress, that I didn’t know your other pillows had been harmed. Lady Hera vows to find out who meant to hurt you. I had to tell her servants why I needed more pillows so soon. Lady Hera is quite upset.”

“Oh, boy. Grandmother on the rampage. That should be interesting.” I sank down on the loveseat while Cornelius examined each pillow, sniffing them endlessly and even cutting one open.

“You can stitch this back together, I assume.” He ordered Alesha.

“Yes, sir. I will do so if you are sure they are safe. And no one will enter the bedchamber to serve my lady Gloriana but me from now on.” Alesha frowned. “There are other servants here. Some I do not know so well. I assumed your mother sent them all but perhaps not. It is possible someone sent by an enemy sneaked in among them.”

“We will keep the bedchamber locked from now on, Alesha.” Jerry sat close, his arm tight around me. “Until we leave this godforsaken place, Gloriana is to be guarded constantly and our rooms served by only one servant.” He looked at me. “Are you sure this girl is to be trusted?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” I studied her, reading her mind though I didn’t need to. I trusted her completely. “Someone wants me dead but it’s not Alesha.” She straightened when I said that and nodded. “And it won’t be long before we’re away from here anyway.” I sighed and put my hand on Jerry’s bare knee. He never had put on any clothes and still wore only that big white towel.

“What do you mean?” He touched my chin so that I was looking at him.

“You fight for your life tomorrow.”

Chapter 12

“Quit fussing over me, Gloriana.” Jerry was strapping on his sword while Mars and Richard watched. I was feeling better, thanks to an elixir provided by Cornelius. But only physically. Mentally I was a wreck. Jerry refused to take any kind of drug no matter how much I begged, cried or softened him up with sexual favors. He didn’t cheat in a fight. Period. I was willing to cheat any way I could if it would save his life.

“Do you think we could buy off Kratos?” I whispered to my father.

“You think I didn’t already try?” Mars pulled me out of the room. “Don’t let Blade hear us. He has more pride than almost any man I’ve met. A Highlander. I’m sick to death of hearing about the place. I’m beginning to think I may have to pay the famous Castle Campbell a visit, just to see what makes the man so proud.”

“You’d like it, I think.” Oh, hell, I was going to cry. No, I sucked it up. But the thought of Jerry’s parents--the Laird, even his battleax of a wife--never seeing Jerry again made me want to wail then jerk Jerry physically out of Olympus somehow.

“No, Gloriana, you can’t take him home. Zeus won’t let him escape this. There’s too much riding on it.” Mars never hesitated to read my mind, damn him.

“What do you mean? Surely Grandfather’s not looking forward to the fit I plan to throw when he goes forward with this barbaric thing he has planned. I’ve told him I won’t marry Kratos, no matter--” I blinked back tears. Jerry had warned me not to cry or it would unnerve him completely. Better to get back into the bedroom and make sure all of Jerry’s knives were sharp enough, that his armor was strong. Do useful things.

“Zeus will freeze you in your seat before he’ll allow you even so much as a squeak in protest and you know it.” Mars was very serious. “I must warn you. This day is going to be a circus. Dionysus has planned everything. There’s a betting book, of course. Lots of wagering going on, most of it in Kratos favor, though naturally there are those who love a long shot.” Mars rested his hand on my shoulder. “Your man is not thought to have a prayer of winning.”

“I know.” I leaned against my father’s massive chest. He hadn’t worn his armor today but was dressed as a warrior and would scare most people. Not me. I saw the love in his eyes and sighed when he folded his arms around me. “Jerry will do his best.”

“Of course he will. I just doubt it will be enough. Some of the betting is on how many minutes he’ll last.”

“Bloodthirsty bastards.” I pulled back. “You didn’t bet against Jerry, did you?”

“I didn’t bet at all, Daughter. It wouldn’t be seemly.” He patted my back. “There will be feasting, plenty to drink and a warm-up match. It amuses Zeus to have some of the slaves fight first. They’ve been pulled out of the cells to fight for their freedom.”

“Oh, no! Do I have to watch that?” I was back in his arms again. “Tell me it isn’t to the death.”

“No, it’s not. Slaves are too valuable and these are strong men, good soldiers. They were in the cells because they have hot heads. Zeus thinks it will be entertaining to see who will win. Then he’ll let the crowd bid on the loser.” He must have felt me stiffen. “I know you disapprove of slavery. I heard you even went to Hera about it. Blade feels as you do. He’s told me his views more than once. But it is our way and you’ll not change things here on your first visit.”

“First visit?” I stepped away from him. “Zeus wants me gone. I leave as soon as this fight is over. Grandfather commanded it. Mother thinks Kratos will be sent with me if he wins this fight.” I shuddered, refusing to imagine it. “I assumed…”

“That you’d never have to come back?” Mars smiled. “No such luck, Daughter. Your grandmother has taken a liking to you and she’s more powerful than you know. She’ll make sure you’ll be called back. When or how remains to be seen.”

“You know I hate it here.” I smiled sadly. “The place. Not you, of course. Or Charis. Even my brothers would be nice to visit, but--”

“Olympus has not been kind to you. Don’t worry, I’ll be down to see you. And you know you can’t escape your mother.” He turned and sighed. “Here she is.”

“Gossiping about me. I know I’m on Gloriana’s hate list these days.” Mother waved her hand, obviously not too concerned. “Just wait, Gloriana. Once you’re married and pregnant with your first child, you’ll see the wisdom of coming back to Olympus and taking your rightful place here. I’ll be very busy making sure my father welcomes you with open arms.” She fussed with her skirt, avoiding my eyes. “And you know a man of Kratos’ standing certainly won’t be happy anywhere else. A houseful of a worthy god’s children will make you forget your rebellious notions I’m sure.”

“Over my dead body.”
Or Jerry’s?
I jerked away from Mars and stomped back into my bedroom. The love of my life and Richard were going over strategy. Flo was in my closet trying on a jacket that wouldn’t close over her now ample bosom. At least my mother hadn’t followed me.

“Can Jerry and I have a moment alone?” I smiled at Richard and gestured at the closet. “Go tell Flo you love her new voluptuous figure.”

“I do!” Richard raised an eyebrow. “She doesn’t believe me but I like her any way I can get her.”

“That’s what I always tell Gloriana. I think she finally realizes I mean it.” Jerry pulled me into his arms. “Men in love. Let’s hope today all that love gives me the extra energy and skill I’ll need when I fight. I’ll be damned if I let another man have you, Gloriana.”

“Oh, Jerry,” I said when Richard slipped into the closet and shut the door. “You know you’re the only man for me.” I lay my head on Jerry’s chest. No armor after all. That was one of the rules of this fight. No armor, no headgear, just hand to hand fighting with a sword and two knives. I was terrified that this fight would be bloody and too brief.

“Quit frowning. You make me think you have no confidence in me.” Jerry traced a line between my eyebrows.

“I have faith that in a fair fight you could beat any normal man. I’ve seen you do it dozens of times.” I snuggled closer. We’d made slow and tender love the night before. As if we were saying goodbye. It had broken my heart. But almost being killed by pillow poison had left both of us too weak for wild monkey sex. Jerry had been preoccupied too. I hadn’t made a big deal out of it, but it seriously freaked me out. I’d never seen him so worried before a fight.

“Kratos isn’t a normal man. I know that. Zeus swears he’ll be making him mortal this morning, for what that’s worth.” Jerry had that worried look again but smiled when he realized I was watching him. “Mars tells me Kratos is a veteran of many wars, a decorated hero. He fought so well that Zeus turned him into a god.” Jerry rubbed my back and kissed the top of my head.

“You’re good too. Better than good.” I wanted him confident going into this. “Come on, Jer. You’ve had centuries of experience too. Your men would follow you into hell itself if you asked them to. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

“That they are idiots?” He laughed when I gasped. “Oh, come on. Where’s your sense of humor, my love. I know I’m a leader of good soldiers. A Highlander.”

“Just remember all those times you won in battle. That should give you confidence.” I ran my thumb over his strong jaw. It had done me good to see him laugh, though I didn’t know how he’d managed to find his sense of humor when I was about to become unhinged with nerves.

“And I have an advantage over Kratos. He doesn’t know you like I do, Gloriana.” Jerry nipped at my thumb with his strong teeth. “He has no idea what a precious prize he could win.” He leaned down and kissed me, taking my mouth with a ferocity that startled me. I kissed him back, just as fiercely. My love, the only man I wanted. By the time he pulled back, I had tears running down my cheeks.

“I don’t deserve you, Jerry. I’m so sorry you have to go through this.”

“I would go through worse to have you, Gloriana. Never doubt it.” He grabbed a cloth and wiped away my tears. “Now stop crying or I’ll think you don’t have faith in me. I’m fighting for our future. I’ve learned over the centuries that desperation can make a man difficult to beat.”

I sniffed and made myself stop the waterworks. Difficult to beat, yes, but not impossible. I didn’t say that out loud. I just kissed Jerry again with every bit of love I felt. When we heard Mars clear his throat, we knew it was time to go.

Richard and Flo stepped out of the closet, both of them flushed. At least they seemed to have come to an understanding in there. Flo had on one of her new outfits, the red sheath that did great things for her hair and skin. I guess Richard’s love and a long look in my three-way mirror had convinced her. Her shoulders were back like she knew that she looked good.

Mars made sure we were all guarded before he took us to the field where the fights would take place. We teleported, something I wasn’t crazy about as it left me a little dizzy. Jerry and Richard seemed unaffected. Flo was more interested in checking out the crowd of people dressed in togas who were milling around the large area. I’d forgotten to tell her it was the uniform of the day. She’d commented on mine but had assumed I wore it because I was related to Zeus and Hera.

“Glory, I look wrong. I see a white tablecloth--” Flo actually started toward a buffet table.

“No, stop, Flo. The people here know you’re an outsider. Most of the younger generation, like Charis, would kill for a chance to visit Earth and see what we’ve seen.” I patted her shoulder. “Own it. You’re a woman of
our
world. They can only dream of being one.”

“Yes,
amica
, you are right.” She stuck out her chest and clung to Richard. Her husband wasn’t in danger, or shouldn’t be. But I could tell she was worried. Mars had explained that a man’s second in a fight might have to jump in and try to pull the men apart if things got out of hand. Out of hand. The thought made my stomach roll.

A trumpet blared and Zeus and Hera took seats on their thrones on one end of the field where dancing girls began to whirl in front of them. The music got louder. A runner came up to Mars and whispered in his ear. My father turned to me.

“Lady Hera commands your presence, Gloriana. You’d better go see what she wants. And be careful near your grandfather. Gossip says Zeus is still unhappy with you. Is it true he moved this fight up so he could be rid of you sooner?”

Jerry kept his hand on my waist. “I’m glad to get it over with. I wasn’t getting any better with training and you know it, Mars.”

“It
is
my fault. I pissed off my grandfather.” I looked down at my white toga with the diamond pin. What I’d said to Flo was true for me too. I needed to show my grandfather where I belonged even if it aggravated him even more. I snapped my way into a black silk pants suit. That made me stand out in this crowd of all white and put a smile on Flo’s face.

I walked the length of the field, skirting the dancing girls and smiling as the crowd parted. Whispers started when the people noticed what I’d done. Defying the dress code. Just one more nail in my coffin. Since I was a member of the family, I doubted there was much Zeus would do to me. Not in front of all these witnesses. When I got to the thrones, I bowed deeply.

“Grandmother, Grandfather. I hope you are both well.”