The Princess And The Vampirate

Chapter Nine

While we were waiting in line for dinner Jack told me what a daily dinner looks like. The donors get their food after announcement and when dessert is served they also bring out the blood for the vampires. There is a whole different set up for the Sunday meals. We were second to last in line with the Captain and his donor behind us. I heard the Captain chuckling as he saw Jack plant a kiss on my cheek. Me and Jack turned bright red and we both looked forward. We started to walk in.

There were two long tables that had candles in the middle. One side had a cup and the other a regular place setting. When we were seated the Captain stood and with his booming voice started the announcements.

"Mates! As ye know we now have a very special crew member aboard this ship!" He gestured to me and I stood up. "Let me introduce her majesty princess Claire Ann Smith first born to Thomas Ruther Smith. Now because she is a human there are some ground rules for this fine lass since there has been no human in the actual crew." I sat down and he continued. "Number one she is Jackson's donor and Jackson's donor only. Number two, no bugging Miss Claire when she is in her quarters or is with Jackson learning how to fight, but you can watch her beat him at sparring from time to time. And number three she will not be used for your own entertainment." He pondered this.

"Except maybe, Jackson for the occasional kiss." I looked over to Jack and he was laughing with his friends and then he winked to me. "Now that the rules are settled let's eat." He shouted the last two words and the pavilion came to life.

Waitresses came out with a lot of food. Rich beef stew, creamy mash potatoes, crunchy green beans. It was quite loud with all the chatting and people introducing themselves. The boys started to take a liking to me and they started to grow close. Jack growled and they backed off. When I was done with that course a huge slice of pecan pie came out for me.

When I took a bite out of the delicious dessert the waitresses came out with huge stainless steel pitchers. They came to every vampire and filled their glass with a thick red fluid. The captain raised his glass and yelled "For Miss Claire" and there was a huge roar as the whole crew yelled back "to Claire". Jack looked at me tipped his glass and smiled as he drank. I knew what it was, it was cow's blood, and I couldn't help but grimace as Jack drank. I lost my appetite right there and I set my fork on my plate. I still had Iss bring the pie to my room.

When everyone was done the Captain stood and we all stood the we bow/cursed to each other and to the Captain. Then we left in the opposite order we came in. I saw the Captain wink at me when Jack and I left and walked past him.

We walked to my room. Jack opened the door and I ran inside grabbed the journal and hopped onto the bed. Jack closed the door and in a flash was sitting next to me. He pulled me onto his lap and he sighed. "What's wrong?" He looked very concerned

"I'm really tired and my head is pounding."

He felt my forehead. "You are burning up."

"Or you are just really cold!" I felt him leave and saw him next to me with a glass of water and medicine.

"Thanks." I took the medicine and Jack pulled me back onto his lap. He was cold but it felt nice. I started to write...

May 12 11:00 pm

Today was the best day ever!!! Jack showed me the kitchen and the stable. When they drain the blood I was a little queasy but we sparred afterwards. Then when we came back to my room there was a note from the Captain asking us to come to dinner. He provided a new dress...

My penmanship was decreasing and my eyes began to droop. I wasn't fully asleep but I got up and changed into a nightgown and I came back and heard Jack chuckle and say "I love you Claire." Still very sleepy I said "Jack you should go."

"No I'll wait..." He was rubbing my shoulders and he pulled me into a very tight hug. He kissed me very lightly and was humming a lullaby and to that I fell into a monstrous sleep.