A Pirate Princess (22 page)

“I understand that and I agree. However, you should find the child’s real fathe
r, 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 du
e 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, “F
ine 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 can
not 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.

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 cal
l 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 adventur
e. 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 b
est 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.

“Ye
s! 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 sha
ll 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 can 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?” T
he 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 t
o 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.”

“Wait!” Odelia screamed, “We
must
marry now. Then you can judge the prisoners.”

The King rolled his eyes and Lord Orson pulled Odelia back into her seat.
Burke knew what he had to do, so he spoke up. “King Louis, I won’t marry Odelia today. I shall not marry her ever. I’m in love with a beautiful woman named Cori, and I plan to spend my life with her. Strip me of my title as Count, give me prison time or whatever must be done. But I will not marry Odelia.”

The King was in shock and didn’
t know what to say, Acel on the other hand did. “No, Burke! You cannot do that! Don’t give up your title or your reputation.”

“You
don’t understand,” Burke explained solemnly for the court to hear. “I love Cori with all my heart. She’s my world now, and nothing is worth losing her. I will give up everything. My home, title, wealth and shipping company mean a lot to me but she’s worth giving it all up! I shall do it gladly and I know I didn’t get Odelia with child.”

“Burke,” the King an
swered. “You must marry Odelia since you made her pregnant. We will discuss all of this after we judge your prisoners.”

Burke shook his head at the King, “Your highness, we may certainly discuss it after the sentencing and I agree that we need to handle the prisoners first. However, you might as well sentence me at the same time you sentence them, be
cause I can assure you that I shall not marry Odelia.”

King Louis took a deep breath, sad for his friend. He motioned for the prisoners to rise
. “Being caught in the act of pirating is a five year prison sentence. Zeeman and Klaas, after reading Burke’s report, that will be your fate.” the King ordered.

Burke wondered why Sharlene and Falco looked so
happy. “Do they not know they’re going to prison?” Burke asked.

“I don’t know. It doesn’
t make sense,” Quain replied in a whisper.

“Sharlene St. Aubin, you are wanted in France for thievery. You were also caught in the act of pirating. Burke says he returned a ship load of children to Argentina that you kidnapped. Falco de Vries, according to Burke’s report you are wanted for pirating, kidnapping, and murder of many you attacked while working as the Quartermaster of
The Beloved Loss
. Do either of you deny these charge?”

“No.” Falco said,
“It doesn’t matter though, we shall be released.”

K
ing Louis chuckled, “No, you won’t! I’m sentencing both of you to life in prison.”

“NO!” Sharlene screamed. “Odelia said that we will both be freed. You must let us go.”

“Odelia?” The King asked. “Did you tell them that?”

Odelia piped up, “No, I have never spoken to them in my life.”

“Odelia!” Falco screeched. “You cannot do this! Tell them your plan. Tell them that I shall be free!”

“I don’t know what you’
re talking about,” Odelia shooed, growing panicked.

Falco looked wild, as
if he was losing his mind. “MAMA! She is getting out of this, do something!”

“
Mama?
” Burke, Acel, and Quain asked in unison.

Sharlene yelled, “Shut up! You’
re ruining everything. For the last twenty eight years of my life you have destroyed my sanity! I was a poor but happy French woman until your good-for-nothing Dutch father came along! Unlike Odelia, I didn’t
try
to get pregnant! Unfortunately, you came into my life anyway! I stole, faught, and starved just to feed and clothe you! When I finally escaped to
The Beloved Loss
, I felt like I had a life again. That couldn’t have worked though, could it? You found me there too! I knew better than to believe you could get us out of this.”

“I’
m sorry, Mama. I just wanted to be with you,” Falco growled.

“Forget it! You canno
t do anything right. Let me handle this!” She barked, turning back to the Vadeboncours. “Odelia, just tell the King that we should be freed. You planned all of this and said that my son and I would both be turned loose!”