A Hidden Queen

Chapter 27

Charlie lays on the skylight staring up at the night sky. The stars sparkled and danced about the darkened sky. He sighs heavily. Today's events have been interesting to say the least. They had apparently found the girl that their captain has been searching high and low for but there were still no answers on who she was and why he wanted her so. He huffs out of his nose, sitting himself up. His silver eyes scan the deck, immediately fixating on his captain who is coming up from below. Charlie steadies himself on his feet, rushing in on John.

"Captain?" Charlie calls.

John halts, turning to address the young man. Charlie trots to a stop, glancing down at the full plate of food that he was carrying.

"You takin' that to the girl sir?"

"Indeed I am. There is more down in the mess if you wish to have some." John offers.

"No, sir. That isn't really why I stopped you."

"I figured as much Austin. What preys your mind then?"

"It's about the girl sir. Who is she? You have yet to address any of the men properly on the details. And." Charlie pauses, gulping as his captain levels him with a stern glare.

"How I properly address the crew is none of your concern sailor. I have promised to do such concerning that young girl up there, but I have yet to do so because she is not entirely comfortable in our presence yet."

Charlie snorts, "Who would have guessed sir."

"Charles." John warns.

"I'm sorry sir. I just want some answers. The younger members of the crew are starting to talk."

"Many a men talk amongst themselves Charlie."

"Yes, sir. But this is a bit more. They are not being pleasant about why she is here. I fear they may take things out of hand sir."

John sighs, glancing around the deck. Charlie groans a little in his own head. He did not want to burden the captain with such nonsense but he was truly concerned about what the crew would do. The rumors were that the girl was brought abroad for their Captain's own sinful pleasure and he would pass her among the crew once he was tired of her. Such things would not normally concern Charlie, as men like to tease and joke about such things. But this was a little different, some of the manners were hostile to say the least. Charlie holds his breath as John sets piercing eyes on him.

"The men are coming to you with these rumors?"

"Yes and no sir. They are discussing them within meals and coming to me in search of answers. They believe you fancy me better than most sir." Charlie smirks, earning a small grin from his captain. "But because I have no information to their inquires it is fueling their imaginations." Charlie admits.

John nods his head, "I will find Burnt and instruct him to give you the answers you seek. Until then try to keep the rumors from spreading like fire. I do not want to make Joe feel uncomfortable or unwelcomed."

"Aye sir."

"Now, if you will excuse me. I have to get this to her before it turns cold. I suggest you get below and eat as well Charlie. As I know you have not ventured down there to do so."

"The food does smell delicious."

"Then get." John jerks his head towards the ladder. "And I will send for someone to inform Burnt of my decision as soon as I am finished with Joe."

"Yes sir."

John nods his head once, smiling fondly, before continuing on his way. Charlie gives his own shy grin, glancing over to his Captain's cabin. The girl stood in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest. She keeps her gaze fixed on Charlie, studying him. Charlie grins, offering a small wave. The girl tenses, turning her head away. She glances at Charlie one last time before quickly retreating into the cabin. Charlie smirks. He can almost imagine the rosy tinted blush that spreads across her cheeks. It may have been a cute sight in the orange glow of the hurricane lamps. Charlie chuckles to himself, making his way over to the ladder. He pauses watching as John approaches the cabin. His captain pauses outside of the doorway, exhaling deeply before continuing in. Maybe now he can find the answers he seeks. Charlie thinks as he descends the ladder to the mess room.