A Hidden Queen

Chapter 45

James inhales deeply as he steps upon The Governor. The brown eyes scan the spartan ship, revolving and examining every inch. She was his. She was finally his. He laughs joyously, stepping away from the railing. The crew glance at him, quickly turning away from his madden state. James smiles broadly as his second lieutenant approaches. Hunter knuckles his hat, bowing gracefully.

"Ah! Mr. Hunter!" James greets cheerfully.

"You seem to be in a good mood Sir." Hunter commits.

"Indeed, I am Mr. Hunter." James grins. "I have the woman that I hold dear back with me. It is a glorious day."

"Then the raid was successful?" Hunter inquires.

"Yes. But it is paramount that we get The Governor under way as soon as possible. I may have escaped but that does not mean we need to give the good pirate captain a prime target." James orders.

"Aye sir." Hunter agrees.

Hunter knuckles his hat, bowing his head. He pivots on his heels barking orders as he went along his way. James smirks turning to face Jackson pulling himself onto the deck. The brute grunts, hoisting Joe further up his shoulder. He smirks devilishly as Joe whimpers quietly. James' grin falters as the deck swarms in commotion. He rotates, quirking an eyebrow as Jack shoves his way through the men on the crowded deck. He breathes heavily, staring at James. His blue eyes flick over to Joe's unconscious form; a frown pulling on his features.

"My God." He whispers. "James, you didn't?"

James scoffs, rolling his eyes. He strides over to the young woman, grabbing a fist full of her hair. Joe groans pitifully as James twists her head upwards. He scowls at Jack, pulling the hair taunt.

"Despite my undying wish to; no, I did not. She's still alive." James bites out.

He releases his grip, dropping Joe's head back down. Jack sighs relieved approaching the threesome. He tilts his head to the side, leaning down to get a better look at the young woman's face. James rolls his eyes, stepping out of the first lieutenant's way. He irritably watches as Jack runs his knuckle along her cheek.

"What did you do to her?" Jack questions, straightening himself.

"I merely rendered her unconscious. She had refused to come willing and decided to make a scene." James waves off.

"You mean she didn't want to come back?" Jack inquires.

James flattens his expression. He rolls his eyes in irritable boredom, pushing through the pair. Jack stumbles back, whirling to follow James' movements. James saunters over to the open deck observing the rest of his boarding party haul up the remaining three captives.

"No." He sighs. "Most stubborn she was. Even had the nerve to call out to another man."

"Another man?" Jack mutters under his breath. "James. If she didn't want to come back than why is she here?"

"Because I want her here."

"You cannot force someone to do something they do not wish. That was her home."

"You are talking foolishness Jack!" James snaps. "She belongs at Fort Adsecen with me."

"You know that isn't true James. She has always been different." Jack points out.

James turns a murderous expression on Jack. He glances over at Jackson who watches the pair with curious interest. James exhales deeply closing his eyes. He comes closer to Jack, lowering his voice.

"Different or not she was still promised to me." James hisses low. "She is the way to my career. The position I was meant to have. I will not allow her to be selfish, taking that away from me. No. She will not escape that easily."