A Hidden Queen

Chapter 47

Hawthorne sighs heavily running a hand through his ash brown hair. It has been a hell of a day. He thinks bitterly. He leans his back against the hull of the ship closing his eyes. His body sags against the unmoving wall. A sharp whistle forces him to crack an eye open. Alex snarls glaring daggers at him from across the way. Hawthorne huffs indignantly as his head pulls away from the wall. He crosses his arms; the honey eyes narrowing at Alex. The short man gripes as he rests his hands on his hip.

"Wipe that look off your face Alex." Hawthorne gripes.

"Why should I?" Alex challenges. "We are in this mess because of that."

"Don't. Say it." Hawthorne growls.

Alex's jaw audibly pops shut. He narrows his eyes cocking his head. Hawthorne hardens his gaze, daring the man to challenge him again. Alex scoffs turning his head away in a huffy pout. Hawthorne exhales deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. It was like dealing with a toddler. He grouses. He drops his hand, slapping it against his arm. Alex flinches turning his attention back on him.

"Despite what you keep spitting out. It is not her fault Alex. You know that as well as I do." Hawthorne sternly states.

Alex scowls deeply, constricting his gaze. Hawthorne screws his face into a pointed stare, raising an eyebrow as Alex runs his tongue over his lips. His mouth pinching into a thin line.

"Whatever you are about to say Alex, I suggest you keep it to yourself." Hawthorne coldly warns.

Alex throws his hands up turning away in an angered huff. Hawthorne grits his teeth, staring up to the decking boards. Lord give me strength. He mutters under his breath. He glances down as Adean gingerly touches his sleeve. He comes a little closer to the man almost standing on top of him. Hawthorne gazes down at the boy as he bites his lower lip.

"Mr. Hawthorne, do you think Ms. Joe is alright?" Adean wonders timidly.

"I am sure she is fine Adean." Hawthorne attempts to reassure.

"But that man seemed very angry that she was on the ship and would not leave with him." Adean exclaims.

"It will all be alright Adean. Joe can take care of herself."

"Yeah, and everyone else." Alex gruff.

"Alex!" Hawthorne hisses. "You either shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you."

Alex scoffs waving Hawthorne off as he turns himself away. Adean winces quietly looking up at Hawthorne with a wide doe-like eyes. Hawthorne sighs slouching his shoulders. He places a heavy hand on Adean's shoulder, smiling down at the young man. Adean relaxes under the pressure returning a shy smile.

"If you two are done coddling each other. We have company." Alex alerts.

Hawthorne snaps his eyes over to Alex leaning against the wall of the metal cage. Her jerks his head to the wooden door across the room. Hawthorne's breath catches with the jiggling of the knob.

"Mr. Hawthorne?" Adean whispers.

"Ssh." Hawthorne corrects.

Adean pinches his lips together bowing his head at the reprimand. Hawthorne creeps closer to the front grimacing as the silence dies with an eerie creaking. A stillness settles with a soldier stepping into the room. He steps to the side sternly staring the men down. Hawthorne's honey eyes widen as Josephine steps into the light of the hanging lamps.

"Ms. Joe!" Adean calls.

Hawthorne grunts stumbling forward as Adean shoves his way past the man. He narrows his eyes at the young boy. He bounces on his toes gripping the steal bars. Josephine smiles sweetly rushing over to the pair. The deep blue eyes inspect every inch of Adean's and Alex's face. She pauses, frowning as her eyes lock with his.