A Hidden Queen

Chapter 46

Joe thrashes her head. Her eyes squeeze shut, a painful moan erupting with every pressurized pulse. They flutter open blinking several times. The blue irises peer blankly at the overhead beams. Joe's tongue runs across her cracking lips. She groans deeply, sitting herself up. A sharp gasp pushes through with a stinging pain, doubling the young woman over. She tilts her head applying firm pressure to her temple until there was nothing left but a dull pulse. The blue eyes crack open, knitting together at the deep flaking red enveloping her knuckles. Joe brings her fingertips back up inhaling sharply. She jerks her hand away dropping it into her lap. Joe gazes at the blood slipping between her fingers. When did she get that? She curiously ponders.

A heavy sigh leaves the young woman. She surveys the room, wiping the blood across her thigh. Her body sags heavily with the eerie grey lighting of the morning sun. The shadows consume and disfigure making it difficult for Joe to discern her surroundings. She sighs irritably, peering into the darkness. A miserably groans leaks, her head dropping between her knees. The captain's quarters on The Governor were recognizable even in the gloomy light.

"This is just great." Joe utters harshly.

She shakes her head cautiously pushing herself to stand. Her legs wobble stumbling back as the world moves and sways. Joe shuts her eyes, swallowing nervously as she begins her shuffle towards the door. Her arms flail with her tilting body. Joe falls into the door leaning against the polished wood. The nimble hands grope for the handle, jiggling it against resistance. Her teeth clench, settling her forehead against the cool frosted glass as she lifts her fist. She groans audibly, dropping the trembling weight against the window.

"James." She rasps out.

Joe nestles her cheek against the glass, licking her lips. Her face twists in discomfort as her chest constricts. A whimper escapes its confines as she rattles the door frame.

"James!" She calls clearly.

One blue eye crack open narrowing drastically. Joe pushes herself away glaring darkly at the emanated object. A deep growl vibrates her throat as her fist pounds onto the surface.

"Stop hiding! Come in here and face me you coward!" Joe shouts harshly.

"I am right here. There is no reason to shout Josephine." James quietly reprimands.

Joe startles spinning herself about. She presses her back into the door her heart beating wildly. The young woman leans forward peering into the darkness at the disfigured silhouette. The morning sun shone brightly on the dark brown boot bouncing against the opposite knee.

"James?" Joe questions softly.

James sighs with displeasure planting his foot on the floor. He rests his elbows on his knees turning the corners of his mouth down darkly. The light shines on the light brown eyes igniting them with a cool fire. Joe grimaces, stilling herself as her head leans back against the window.

"Hello my dear." James greets wickedly.

"James." Joe venomously spits.

"Must you say my name with such contempt?" James sighs.

"Yes. I must." Joe clips. "Stop with the theatrics James and take me back."

"I do not think so." He dismisses.

James leans back into the fading darkness folding his hands in his lap. The brown eyes dance with scorn as they gaze upon her.

"And why not?" Joe grits out through clenched teeth. "You had no right to take me James!"

"Really?" James grunts. "You can only spit animosity at me now?"

"Pretty easy when you've kidnapped me." Joe challenges.