“Then we strike while they’re at sea.” The leader of the group announced. “And so throw the succession in Jhalmar into the chaos that suits our plans and will help us achieve our goals. Make sure our ships’ captains understand they are to take no prisoners and to leave nothing but flaming wreckage behind them.”

Deirdre favored Garret with a glare that would have melted steel at thirty paces as her voice went dangerously quiet. “This guest list is impossible! And why is it that poor little me is expected to pen the invitations personally?”

“It’s a traditional personal touch that’s expected in weddings involving nobility.” The Prince answered carefully while making certain there were no chamber pots or throwable items larger than a pen or inkpot within her reach. “Aren’t your mother and sister helping you with this?”

“Ilene,” she quietly answered, “is working on her own wedding invitations and going as nuts as I am with the stuff, Mom is a little busy getting reacquainted with daddy just now, and I wouldn’t interrupt that if the world depended on it. So no. I did dragoon Mina and your sister, but they tend to have other ‘urgent’ matters needing their attention after a while.”

Garret nodded with what he hoped was understanding. He at least understood why the two ladies were finding emergencies in the oddest places. His bride to be was getting more and more cranky as the wedding date neared. A cranky Deirdre was ominously close to an incandescently enraged Deirdre. With a smile he was careful to make cheerful, the knight offered. “I’ll help you with them.”

“And go against tradition?” She gave him that gimlet stare, then grinned evilly and passed over a pile of parchments and a page of the lists she was slowly working her way through. “Don’t answer that, just start writing.”

Garret found a pen and ink pot without commenting and began carefully writing out the wedding invitations.

Bridgette practically stormed into the sanctum of her patron and the man looked up with a thin smile as she flounced to a chair and seated herself without waiting for an invitation. “I see you’ve already heard the latest news from Jhalmar.

Because of that,” he gently told her, “I will overlook you lack of respect this time. Remember that you owe your freedom, and quite probably your miserable life to me and do not make the mistake of thinking yourself too important to punish for your actions.”

“Forgive me, my lord.” Bridgette bowed her head — mostly to hide the fear she knew was showing in her eyes. “I forgot my place here. It won’t happen again.”

“Good.” He answered with a sigh of frustration that showed his own pique at the news was no less than hers. “Though I do admit this news is not good for our cause. Not good at all.”

“That lordling Garret elevated to Prince of the Realm and confirmed as heir to the throne is bad enough.” She grated out then her voice started rising. “But knowing that boy bitch is going to marry him and eventually become queen of Jhalmar is unbearable.”

“Indeed it is, my dear.” The man responded quietly. “This Deirdre Mul would make a queen far too strong for our liking, and lend that strength to her man. The brotherhood is still convinced such a thing should not be allowed to happen.”

“The bitch has the gods’ own luck.” Bridgette snarled. “Killing her now will take a lot of effort, more than the considerable amount we have already exerted. That damned fool, Roric! He could have killed her and been done with all this months ago. Nothing I did would convince him to do that.”

“No matter.” He shrugged. “The fool paid for that, and we are not without more resources to see to this matter. Even the gods’ own luck can’t keep saving her all the time.”

“I really want to see her brought down.” Bridgette growled.

“You will, dear lady, you will.” He assured her. “Patience for now, you will have another chance to put an end to your rival.”

“I hope so.” She answered, then realizing the audience was finished, arose from the chair, very carefully curtsied to him, and quietly left the room.

He idly stared at the door she had left through while considering just how much more could be gained from using that particular tool before it too would have to be discarded.

Chance Mul entered his daughter’s office with a slight bow. “You wished to see me, Your Grace?”

“Oh, cut the crap, Daddy.” Deirdre chuckled and waved the man to a chair. “We aren’t in public here and anyone eavesdropping deserves what they get.

How is mother?” She asked while getting out of her plush chair behind the massive desk, selected a carafe of wine and two delicately fluted goblets from the sideboard and poured the golden liquid into each one. Handing the man one and seating herself on the couch across from him, she grinned. “Wearing you out?”

“Let’s just say she glows, I perform to the best of my abilities, and we keep our neighbors awake a lot.” The man she used to know as Riddler chuckled.

“Good for her.” Laughing for a moment, Deirdre sipped at her wine while watching him from over the rim of her goblet. “I should hate you, or at least be angry that you left us alone for so long you know.

But I don’t.” Waving off the beginnings of a response from the man she let out a little sigh. “I know, I know. Mother was married to someone else at first then you were embroiled in Vertigan’s work to help preserve the kingdom. But you could have come back after the man I grew up thinking was my father died.”

“I actually tried to do that, you know.” He answered quietly. “Leila was and still is a strong willed woman, dear. She wouldn’t have anything to do with me for a long time no matter how often I approached her.”

“So she told me some time ago.” Shrugging and dismissing that particular subject she raised her goblet to him. “I wanted to give you your wedding present.”

“A goblet of wine?” He questioned with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes that told where hers came from. “As fine a wine as this is, I think that silver service you and Garret gave us was more than enough.”

“Here.” Passing him a sheet of parchment festooned with official seals, including the royal one of Cedric and Evaine, she waited for his reaction.

“Baron of Kelsan?” He questioned after reading the document.

“It’s a small, but fairly prosperous walled town about thirty miles west of here.” She offered with a slight smile. The lands around it are host to some particularly fine vineyards. We’re enjoying one of their products now.”

“I know where it is, daughter.” He grimaced then allowed a tiny grin to play with the corners of his mouth. “You really haven’t forgiven me for leaving you alone all those years, have you? This is your revenge.”

“If I have to be a princess, and eventually queen,” she mock glowered at him, “I may as well spread the agony around to those I love, right Lord Protector of Lindsay, or would you prefer Baron Kelsan?”

Clinking his goblet to hers in a wordless toast with a rueful smile, he answered. “You are an evil woman, you know that?”

“I’ve been practicing.” She agreed while her blue eyes flashed with amusement.

“It shows, dearest daughter, it shows.”

“Just how serious are you and Anthalas becoming?” Deirdre asked her maid/bodyguard once she had Mina cornered and was reasonably sure the one time assassin had no chance of escape.

“We are getting perilously close to where you and Garret are at the present time.” Mina smiled. “Whether that will continue is anyone’s guess but both of us intend to enjoy the relationship to its fullest until one or the other of us decides to end it.”

“Well, then.” Deirdre grinned. “I suppose I’ll have to look around for a candidate for court mage of Lindsay won’t I? It sounds, and appears that you two won’t separate any longer than absolutely necessary, and I still need you nearby given the still unsettled political conditions surrounding us.”

“Anthalas is willing to take the oath of fealty to you, Your Grace.” Mina answered. “If we must be separate, at least I know he’ll be serving the same person I am. Which means we will be able to see one another often enough. Once he gets that teleport spell perfected. The things he’s found in that workshop where you obtained your ‘back scratcher’ are nothing short of mind boggling even if they are fragmentary. I think dragging him away from that will be near impossible at the moment.”

“Jessica is just a bad with all that.” Deirdre nodded with a chuckle. “Mages and their toys, what can you do?”

“Endure their babbling and muttering, remind them to eat and sleep once in a while, and keep on loving them, I suppose.” Mina said with a fond laugh.

“Hello, Glory.” Deirdre greeted the spirited mare that had been given to her in what seemed to be a distant past though it was only a few months. The mare nickered, pushed her nose into Deirdre and gave the young woman’s hand a hopeful look.

“Greedy guts.” The young woman chuckled as she offered one of the sweets the mare was so fond of. “Here, and I missed you, too.”

“Girls and their horses.” Savar grinned while watching the mare happily chew the sweet her mistress had given her. “And to think we introduced those two, Hemish.”

“Not exactly high romance.” The other guardsman grinned, “But what would simple soldiers like you and me know about things like that? I’m just glad the Lady, err, Her Grace, has a mount worthy of her.”

“I’m sure Glory is glad she has a mistress worthy of her.” Savar laughed. “She would let no one ride her until our Deirdre came along, and will allow no one else to do so now. Headstrong and intransigent like her mistress.”

“Careful, she’ll hear us.” Hemish cautioned.

“Which one?” Savar smirked. “Not that it would matter, that mare is just as smart as most people.”

“And either one’s poor regard would bode ill for just about anyone approaching them.” Hemish agreed with a snorted laugh.

“Are you happy to see the last of Lindsay for now?” Garret questioned as he rode easily beside Deirdre.

“Well, the place does give me mixed feelings just now, even if being there was exciting and reunited me with my real father,” the midnight haired beauty sighed, “but it is my Duchy and people I love are now watching over it. I do admit that it will be good to see Serai and Jhalmar again though.”

“I’ll take that as a qualified maybe, then.” The Prince laughed.

“You always were too damned smart for my own good, you know that?” She grinned as her attendant maids, with the exception of Mina showed their horror at her unlady-like language.

“You’re upsetting most of your ladies in waiting.” He pointed out.

“They’ll get used to me,” She grinned evilly, “or go screaming into the night to get away from the ‘crazy lady’ they’re sworn to serve.

Oh, don’t look so worried, darling.” She laughed. “I’ll take care of them as if they were my own family, you know that. If they can’t deal with my — umm —quirks, I’ll let them go with good recommendations to anyone they wish to apply to for a similar postion.”

“I know that, my love.” Garret reached over to pat her arm. “I just wonder if they’ve figured it out yet.”

“Give the poor dears time, love.” Deirdre said as winked at him then stuck out her tongue in a most unladylike expression. “None of them are stupid, or unobservant. They wouldn’t be in my service if it were otherwise. They’ll get the idea soon enough.”

“More innocents corrupted.” Garret sighed theatrically.

“It’s your fault, you know.” Deirdre shook her loose mane of sable hair as she laughed. “If you hadn’t chosen me at that tourney…”

“I knew from the moment I saw you that you were the one I was meant to be with for the rest of my life, dear, dearest lady.”

“Damned gods, prophecies, and their meddling.” Deirdre muttered then gave the man a sunny smile. “But I’ll give them this much, they were right. You’d better be planning to spend the rest of your life with me. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone.”

“That sentiment is mutual, my love.” Garret answered.

I noted we took the long way around.” Deirdre teased as she and Garret shared a simple meal at the end of the day.

“Rock Trolls have long memories, and the time to recover from their hangovers is a thing of legend.” The newly crowned prince shrugged. I do believe I’ll be assiduously avoiding that pass for the rest of my life, I assure you.”

“Unless you take more fortified wine with you.” She pointed out.

“No, I’ll take a pass on that one, thanks.” He answered while holding up a carafe of wine. “From your father’s vineyards, would you like a bit more?”

“Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?” She gave him a narrow eyed stare.

“Yes.”

“Oh, good, I was hoping that was your nefarious plan, sirrah. In that case, certainly, I’ll enjoy more of that wonderful vintage.”

“Stop trying to look innocent, dear.” Garret grinned. “It just doesn’t work for you any longer.”

“Girl’s gotta try, you know.” She purred while climbing onto his lap and very carefully probing one of his ears with her tongue.

“Try all you like, my darling.” Garret gasped as her explorations went lower and really aroused parts of his anatomy. “Perhaps we should take this to the bed chamber?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Deirdre spared a mischief filled glance up into his face before diving into or onto the treasure she’d unearthed. “And where’s your sense of adventure?”

“Umm, wellll,” Garret moaned. “Never mind.”

“Home.” Garret gave a happy little sigh as they looked down the slope to where Serai nestled among its sheltering hills, gathered round the city like protective lovers. “It’s good to be here again.”

“How do you think your brother is taking the news that he is now the defacto heir to The Jewel of Jhalmar?” Deirdre questioned. “He seemed quite content to be in the background when I met him.”

“Oh Brent will come around.” Garret shrugged. “He had his heart set on becoming Chalmnessa’s spy master, but being Duke will give him the ability to do that without interference, so I think He’ll accept things as they are gracefully, then go somewhere private and whoop for the sheer joy at his luck.”

“Is your family considered normal?” Deirdre questioned with narrowed eyes.

“Completely so, my love.” Garret assured her.

Her snort of disbelief was lost in the fanfare of the escort sent to lead them into the city.

“They will go by sea from Chalmness to Jhalmar.” One of the gathered people pointed out. “Aboard ship they will be more vulnerable than once they have made landfall and gain a royal escort.”

“The cannon Jhalmar’s warships now mount would make taking them at sea a formidable challenge.” Another hissed. “One of their ships so armed routed a squadron of Cardassia’s elite the last time that was attempted.”

“I have no argument with that,” another answered, “but think here. That victory will make them complacent, they would not expect another such attack, especially from several squadrons armed with these new cannon as well. They will not be ready for such an attack, and we will be able to throw the nation into chaos again with the designated heir and his bride to be out of the picture.”

“I don’t like risking our only cannon equipped ships on this venture.” The first one answered. “If this doesn’t work we lose the core of the navy we are planning to rule the seas around Jhalmar’s ports with and that would be disastrous for our long range planning.”

“No risk, no gain.” The proponent of the attack shot back. “We can afford to take the chance. None know who we are, or where we are based. We can build ships, and equip them in relative peace for now. I say we take the chance while it is offered.”

The consensus agreed.

“Then we strike while they’re at sea.” The leader of the group announced. “And so throw the succession in Jhalmar into the chaos that suits our plans and will help us achieve our goals. Make sure our ships’ captains understand they are to take no prisoners and to leave nothing but flaming wreckage behind them.”

“Another sea voyage, oh joy.” Deirdre gave the waiting vessels a wary looking over. “Are we going to be on the big one? And why are there three ships when it’s just us and family going and we all comfortably fit into the big one?”

“To answer the last question first,” Garret soothed his almost pouting bride-to-be, “I’m now a Prince of the Realm and the designated heir to the throne, which makes you — my intended — a defacto Princess of the Realm and its future queen. The pair of ships for our escort are just a precaution to keep us safe and make sure we arrive in Jhalmar in one piece.

Secondly, yes, we’ll be on the big one, she’s newly built and just finished her shakedown and sea trials with flying colors. I think you’ll like her name, by the way. Also you do have those potions Jessica gave you, right? The ones to cure seasickness?”

“Of course I do, you big dolt.” Deirdre answered with a little smirk and sigh. “I’ve already taken one for your information. I do NOT want to go through what I did the last time. It was really messy, smelly, and no fun at all. Besides, I don’t want you teasing me about being sick again. I’m pretty sure that even a princess could get in trouble for braining a prince.”

“Probably a little, especially since you have more options than a chamber pot these days.” Garret acknowledged with a grin of his own.

“Oh yeesss.” The little hellion he’d fallen so deeply in love with smiled beatifically while stroking the mace she refused to part with and the long, carefully tied shut leather bag containing her prized backscratcher — the goblin claw. “But I still think I should get some real armor that actually fits me, you know.”

“I’m considering that.” Garret said with an internal shudder. Given the kinds of trouble his future wife had a knack for getting into, and out of, real armor for her didn’t seem to be such a terrible idea. Except for the worrisome fact that presenting her with some would likely have her actually looking for the trouble instead of simply trying to avoid it.

“Well, while you’re considering, maybe someone else will present me with some as a wedding present.” She mused with amusement sparkling in her eyes. “Then you wouldn’t have to spend the rest of our lives ‘considering’ the matter.”

“I haven’t said no.” He defended himself and managing to appear a bit hurt by her observation.

“You haven’t said yes, either.” Deirdre said while turning her face into the breeze coming off the harbor. “Ahh, that feels good.”

As they drew closer to the ship they would be taking to Jhalmar, Deirdre finally read the name across her stern and stopped in mixed embarrassment and surprise. “The Princess Deirdre?”

“An early wedding present from their Majesties Cedric and Evaine.” Garret answered with a grin. “I understand she’s nearly as rambunctious and full of surprises as her namesake.”

“A ship named for me?” Deirdre was still in a bit of shock. “But I’m not a princess.”

“As far as anyone in the know is concerned you are.” Garret answered quietly while giving her a hug. “You’ve earned it, too, if the opinions of those who really know you count.”

“One thing I’ve learned, or had beaten into my stubborn skull,” Deirdre sighed, “is that those opinions tend to shape who and what I am whether I’m willing to go along or not, so I won’t argue the point here on the docks.

But we will be having an in depth discussion once we can be in private.” She promised. “Believe that.”

“I’d expected nothing less, my love.”

“Ahh, we may as well get aboard.” Deirdre shook her head as she said that. “I think half the crew is waiting for us to do that.”

“So they are.” Garret grinned. “Come on then, I’ll escort you up the gangplank.”

“Please.” She gave him a wicked little smirk. “I’m already embarrassed enough without falling into the harbor while trying to board a ship named after me.”

“Welcome aboard the Princess Deirdre, your highnesses.” Jared Wolfe greeted the pair with a low bow and rose from that with a grin. “I hope you approve of her, and will come to think of her as your home on the high seas whenever you require her services.”

“Captain Wolfe.” Deirdre smiled and moved forward to give the man a hug. “I know that’s against protocol, but it’s good to see you again, are you in command of this ship?”

“Indeed I am, your highness.” The man gave her a happy and proud grin. “And the entire crew of Christina make up the core of the crew aboard the Princess. They are all thrilled that you’re back with us, by the way.”

“I’m touched, and honored beyond words.” She quietly answered while giving the assembled crewmen a fond smile. “Thank you all for the welcome.”

The assembled crewmen knelt, and murmurs of “Welcome aboard Princess”, “The honor is ours, dear Lady” and other heartfelt greetings almost had Deirdre in tears.

“Okay, enough of the ceremony.” She wiped her eyes and motioned for everyone to stand up. “I’m still, me. That intransigent little hellion who much prefers to have friends than subjects and I do consider all of you to be among my friends. Once we leave port I expect all of you to use my name, not some title, understood?”

As the assembly rose, the new members a bit stunned by that, Garret pulled her close and whispered. “And that my love is why the common people adore you. You are going to not only be a good queen, but a great one, I’m sure of it.”

* * * *

“Princess is what is called a frigate.” Jared told her as they followed him on a tour of the vessel. “She is somewhat larger than a normal frigate, and has a few surprises besides being very heavily armed. Since our opposition has started mounting cannon on their vessels the geniuses at the shipyards at Jhalmar decided a highly maneuverable, fast gun platform was required to counter that. Princess Deirdre is the first of those, and her sea trials have shown that she is all that was hoped for.”

Running a hand over a new, and vastly improved cannon, Deirdre couldn’t suppress a grin. “just how many guns does Princess carry?”

“Forty-four.” Jared answered proudly. “And with the new rifling techniques, her guns are more accurate, and send shot with more force than the old cannon could manage. If someone, anyone, wishes to test her, I’m absolutely sure they’ll be in for a most unpleasant surprise.”

“Are the new guns mounted in the escorting ships?” Deirdre questioned.

“Yes, though so far these three are the only ones mounting them.” Jared answered then shrugged. “Making them takes about twice the time as the old ones, but the factories are working day and night to produce more. Princess had priority on getting them.”

“Just what is this rifling that you’ve mentioned?” Garret questioned.

“Well, the full details are a bit overwhelming.” Jared sighed. “But it seems that putting spiraling grooves in the barrel of the gun increases both their accuracy and the velocity they attain once fired. Though I think the extra velocity is because the steel guns are stronger than the old iron and bronze ones and are able to handle a stronger charge of powder. Either way, these new cannon are a huge advance on what we already had.”

“All in a few years.” Deirdre marveled. “Harald has really been busy, hasn’t he?”

“That he has, dear lady.” Jared answered then frowned. “But no matter how careful we are news, and worse, plans for making the old cannon reached our potential enemies. I just hope they won’t get the specs on the new guns for a while yet.”

“We can hope.” Deirdre answered thoughtfully.

“Maybe we need to be attacked again so you can get over this.” Garret teased a green around the gills Deirdre.

“Making fun of a sick person isn’t nice.” The young woman pouted, then lunged for the bucket she kept close by then raised her head in relief. “False alarm. This is a good sized ship, why does it pitch and jerk so much?”

“You need to take more of Jessica’s potients.” The prince told his lady. “They do help, and according to Captain Jared, Princess is built with a deep keel, but a fairly narrow cross section, especially the parts that are underwater. It makes her both faster and more maneuverable, thus she’s more sensitive to the vagaries of wind and water.”

“Oh.” Deirdre grumbled. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll get used it, probably just before we dock at Jhalmar, but I’ll get through this.”

“Some fresh air might help.” Garret offered.

“So I can watch the horizon pitch and sway in a way no solid land loving, sane person would find natural or even comfortable?”

“You’re getting used to it, darling.” He soothed. “You haven’t thrown up since dawn and it’s nearly midday now. That’s a good sign.”

Deirdre ignored that, sitting at the vanity that was provided in her cabin and brushing her hair while critically searching for any unfortunate signs of her sea sickness on the dress she was wearing. Satisfied, she arose and turned to Garret with a small grimace. “Fresh air. All right, I’ll try it, but if I throw up, I’m aiming it at you.”

“Better now?” Garret solicitously questioned as Deirdre watched things over the rail she was standing against — just in case she needed to throw up without warning.

“Yes, actually.” She admitted with a real smile. “The sunshine and breeze feel good, and I’ll finally admit that Princess is a beautiful ship.”

“That she is, your Grace.” Jared entered the conversation as he moved to join the lovers at the rail. “No one has ever seen anything like her. Like you, your Grace, she is unique.”

“I hope she is a bit less intransigent than I tend to be.” Deirdre replied with a grin for the captain.

“Oh, she handles like a dream, your Grace.” Jared answered with a proud smile. “She’s as fast or faster than a schooner when the wind is right, and tacks with an ease that is almost supernatural at times. She is a beauty, just like her namesake.”

“Do I detect some flattery there?” The midnight haired young woman questioned with a teasing grin.

“Neither you or Princess requires flattery, your Grace.” Jared answered simply. “You are both things of beauty and quite deadly when the need arises.”

“Garret, I like this man.” Deirdre laughed.

“Now that you’re feeling better.” Garret said with a smile. “I have a present for you, my dear.”

“Oh?”

Come to my cabin and I’ll give it to you.” He answered.

“We’ve done that already.” She whispered into his ear with a giggle that wasn’t like the Deirdre everyone else knew at all. “But I’m willing to go get it.”

“Oh, we could do that, too.” Garret answered blandly then lifted his eyebrows. “But this is a real gift. Call it an early wedding present from my family.”

* * * *

“Oh, Garret!” Deirdre sighed in near ecstasy when she saw what was laid out on the bed in the prince’s chambers. “It’s beautiful!”

She was gushing over glittering chain mail laid out for inspection. Garret shrugged. “Well, as often as you get into trouble, the family thought this would be a good thing to give you. It’s hardened steel, and so finely linked that it should fit like silk once you have it on Plus you could wear it under your usual clothing and it wouldn’t show.”

“Isn’t that leather under armor a bit thin?” She questioned while giving the whole setup a critical, but happy looking over.

“Cured griffin hide.” Garret told her. “It will cushion blows as if it was two inches of real leather. I told you my family loves you.”

“Can I try it on?”

“It’s yours.” Garret answered with a grin. “So that would be a yes.”

She did strip to try them on, but that was delayed for a while when she pulled Garret onto the bed.

* * * *

“So what do you think?” Deirdre did a spin and the armor she wore caught the sunlight through the port hole and scintillated with an array of reflections.

“It’s you.” Garret told her with a grin. “And being fitted as it is…”

“If my enemies stop for a moment because of my beauty.” She said with no modesty at all. “I have them.”

“That you do, my love.”

* * * *

“Sails ho!” The lookout sang out. “I make at least six ships bearing on us!”

“Oh, not again.” Deirdre grumbled. “And of course, I took my armor off after trying it on!”

“I don’t suppose I could get away with locking you safely away in your stateroom?” Garret questioned.

“I’d break the door down, after putting on my new armor and you know that.” She answered with a smirk while holding up her Goblin claw. “This could do it, too.”

“I knew it was a bad idea to give you that armor.” Garret sighed.

“With or without it, I would be up here to join in the fight.” Braiding her long midnight tresses, Deirdre grinned at him and fondly patted him on the shoulder. “You know how I am about a good fight.”

“That’s a constant worry, you know.” He answered.

“I love you, too.” She told him then stuck a pink tongue out at him.

* * * *

“We have two escorts.” Deirdre observed as the ships moving to intercept them came closer. “Three ships against, what, twelve?”

“Obviously, someone doesn’t want us to reach Jhalmar.” Garret told her.

“We have a few nasty surprises for the misbegotten bastards.” Jared assured her. “They’ve never run up against a ship like Princess. Plus our escorts are equipped with the new cannon.”

“This is going to be messy.” Deirdre observed.

* * * *

“I wish you’d go below, your Grace.” Jared told Deirdre as the crew manned their battle stations. “It is going to get very dangerous up here in a short while and I don’t want you to be injured, or worse.”

“You’re the captain.” She answered while staring out at the twelve unidentified ships moving into attack formation. “You could order me to do that.”

“Would you even listen if I did?” The man questioned with a slight grin in spite of the worry in his eyes.

“Oh, for a few minutes, anyway.” She shrugged. “But we’re under of attack because I’m here, I’m sure of that. I wouldn’t be able to stay cooped up ‘safely’ below or in my cabin knowing I’ve put everyone else at risk.”

“We don’t know that this is because of you.” Jared returned equably. “Massed pirates have been known to attack smaller formations of ships.”

“Do you believe these are simply pirates?” She pointedly questioned. “I would find it to be a strange coincidence in the extreme if those ships were simply pirates given what has happened so far. Someone wants me dead and doesn’t care who suffers in achieving that.”

“As I suspect, as well.” The captain nodded. “Just don’t get tangled up with the crew, your Grace and I’ll accept that for now. But if things get bad, I will order you to whatever safety I can find for you, understood?”

“Completely.” Deirdre nodded in her turn then gave the oncoming ships a grim look. “I’ll get out of your way, now. You have enough to do without trying to coddle me.”

“We’re going to have to break that formation.” He nodded in Acknowledgement to her and went on. “Signals! Have Christina and Herald break off to threaten their flanks without getting too far away that we can’t cover them! Helm! Come about to port! Gunnery! Fire as you bear on their leading elements!

The range we have with these new guns should be an unpleasant surprise for those bastards.” He muttered as the vessels under his command moved to obey his orders then bellowed out another. “Stern gunners! Ready the stern pivot! Look lively all and be ready on the sheets!”

Several of the lateen rigged ‘pirates’ moved off each flank of the attacking formation to engage the schooners moving to threaten their flanks. Jared nodded in satisfaction. “Two from each flank, Christina and Herald will handle them well enough and that leaves only eight for us.”

Twenty-two big guns roared as Princess’ broadside came to bear on the enemy formation. The fire was concentrated on the three leading ships and the accuracy of the fire was nothing short of awe inspiring as masts collapsed, railings splintered, and gun mounts were shattered from the concentrated fire.

“Reload and fire at will!” Jared bellowed through the noise and smoke. Helm! Hold your bearing! Back scratchers fire when they reach your range!”

“Back scratchers?” Deirdre questioned as she heard that command.

“Smaller cannon, mounted on a swivel with less range than the bigger guns but extremely deadly in close quarters, just as you seem to be.” Garret told her then added. “They are named for your already famous Goblin Claw, my love.”

“Oh.” She actually blushed. “First a whole ship named for me then weapons named after a weapon I’ve made use of. This is embarrassing, Garret.”

“But appropriate.” He responded while watching the forming battle.

“Good point.” She grinned then shouted. “Back scratchers! Make me proud! Make these bastards regret trying us at all!”

“That’s my girl.” Garret chuckled.

* * * *

Christina arrogantly slid between her two opponents and broadsided both as she slid through the gap between them. The chaos aboard both ships showed that chain shot had been used in the initial broadsides. Return fire did some damage, but the speed the sloop had attained kept that to a minimum.

Herald performed an identical maneuver with much the same results.

The lead elements of the remaining eight faltered under the second withering blast from Princess’ broadside with the fire from the back scratchers added to the chaos. The five undamaged ships remaining swung around their wounded compatriots to reach gun range of Princess.

“Stand ready at that stern pivot!” Jared shouted as the remaining undamaged enemies began to close and fired their own cannon.

Deirdre hunched down as railings splintered and sails were holed by the shots fired at Princess. The cries of wounded were drowned out by the thunder of guns returning fire.

Instead of getting in the way, she moved to start helping the wounded as more splinters flew through the air around her.

“Drop the aft and mid topsl’s!” Jared bellowed into the din.

Crewmen nimbly scampered up the rigging despite the incoming fire and the two sails furled.

Four of the opposing ships gained a position of advantage. Two of them across the bow and two across the stern, effectively crossing Princess’ T and having a firing position that would rake the entire deck from front to back with fire.

“Drop stern pivot!” Jared roared as the crewmen at the stern let go of lines allowing a heavy, broad at the bottom part that had been hanging off the stern to fall into the water.

With the wind on the forward top sail, and the flattened stern pivot in the water, Princess stopped moving forward and astoundingly spun in place on her stern presenting unexpected broadsides to the attacking ships. The gunners needed no orders. They fired once the attacking ships came to bear.

With predictable results. The better guns Princess mounted along with the smaller back scratchers and crossbows a few of her crew were armed with raked the enemy ships with a withering fire.

Three of the attackers almost disintegrated under that concentrated fire, and the other was damaged so badly that all it could do was drift. But the damaged lead elements had reached the battle again and grappling hooks dug into the railings along Princess’ thwarts.

“Prepare to repel boarders!” Jared roared into the din and waved a group of heavily armed crewmen to surround both Garret and Dierdre. Guard their highnesses with your lives! If they’re taken or killed all we’ve done so far will be for nothing, win the battle or not!”

The ‘pirate’ boarders were driven by desperation. Their own ships were starting to founder and were taking even more horrendous damage from the smaller guns with the wider arc of fire mounted on the rails of the frigate.

“Told you this one was going to get messy.” Deirdre grimaced while pulling out her goblin claw. “What now, my love?”

“Much as it galls me,” he shouted over the tumultuously violent sounds of battle around them, “we need to allow these good men to protect us. We only fight if the pirates get past our defenders!”

“Then I’ll keep helping with the wounded.” She shouted back while ripping pieces of her skirt into lengths to use as bandages. “I knew I should have kept that armor on!”

“For once, I agree with you on that score.” Garret answered as he took a position to watch over her while the determined contingent of grim faced sailors watched over them both.

* * * *

Christina finished off her opponents with some vicious fighting against a last ditch boarding attempt from the pair of sloops attacking her. Trailing one mast and using badly holed sails in spite of her blood drenched decks, she turned to aid Princess.

Herald was aflame and sinking, but she had taken her two antagonists with her. The flaming trio of ships slowly settled into the water as crew from all three, enmity forgotten in the need to survive, went overboard to avoid the fire.

* * * *

It was over. The attacking force had been routed and the surviving ‘pirates’ in the boarding parties had either surrendered or thrown themselves over the side in a hopeless attempt to escape.

The quiet, filled with eye stinging smoke and the cries of the wounded, was nearly as deafening as the battle had been.

Deirdre was still working on the wounded as Jared shouted. “Stand by to pick up survivors! Move the wounded to sick bay!”

“Sick bay is overflowing.” A weary physician answered, dazed but still doing his job with admirable skill.

“Use my cabin.” Deirdre told him then held up a hand to stop the protest he was making before it really got started. “Don’t argue, my cabin is easily accessible to the main deck, and has more than enough room. Use my clothing for bandages, and my bunk and table for surgeries you need to do.”

“Your Grace!” The man still tried to protest.

“Don’t argue with me, man!” She shot back with more force than most had seen her use before. “These men need care, and my cabin is the best place to do that right now.”

“As you say, your Grace.” The man nodded and decisively directed those beginning to move the wounded. “Take them to her Grace’s cabin and make use of whatever you find for bandages or anything else you require.”

“Do it!” She commanded as a few of the men hesitated.

* * * *

“Your caring for the wounded made this crew love you more than they already did.” Garret told a tired Deirdre once they had finally settled themselves in his cabin.

“I was useless in that fight.” She sighed while running a hand across her blood spattered face with a sigh. “The least I could do was help with the people who got hurt because I was aboard.”

“There’s a splinter hanging off your dress.” Garret observed then plucked it out.

“The boys and men fighting for me didn’t have the advantage of a swarm of men to protect them.” The midnight haired beauty was crying. “Some of them are going to lose arms or legs and there was nothing I could do to stop that!”

“They knew what they were getting into when they signed on to the navy.” Garret answered then softened that with a quiet. “But you being there binding wounds and just talking with them made a big difference with the men who were still fighting, you know.”

“That sick bay, and my cabin were abattoirs!” She shouted back. “It was like being in a gods damned butcher shop! Only the things being butchered were men and boys!”

“And most of them will live, my darling.” Garret answered while pulling her into a tight hug that wouldn’t allow her to pull away. “They will always remember that they were defending their future queen, and that will mean a lot to them.”

“It doesn’t change what they’ve lost.” She cried, then relaxed into his arms while dropping her voice to a mournful whisper. “I never wanted this, or asked for it. Why are good men willing to die for me?”

“Because you care about them, my love.” Garret replied, hugging her tighter. “And you inspire them.”

“To stupidly put themselves in harm’s way for someone who never even knew them personally.”

“For an image, and love.”

“I could do without that, you know.”

“My love, you’re going to be a queen. People will put themselves in danger simply to protect you. There is nothing either of us can do to change that.” Garret softly told her.

“But it hurts so much to know that, and seeing them do it.” She laid her head against his shoulder and he felt the wetness of her tears.

“That, my love,” he spoke softly into her ear, “is why the people love you so much already.”