A Hidden Queen

Chapter 50

Hawthorne studies the splintered decking below his feet, resting an arm upon his raised knee. He rubs at his beard, prying a piece of wood from its holding. The slender fingers snap it, picking at the shrapnel. He flicks it across the indented floor, glaring at the skidding jagged piece.

"Such a foul mood you are in." Alex murmurs.

Hawthorne raises his eyes, peering into the darkness. Alex leans against the hull, conveniently folding his arms in one another. He lowers his head, painting a bored expression on his features. The brown eyes flick upwards, watching as Adean passes between the two men. Hawthorne sighs, dropping his eyes.

"It has been over an hour." Hawthorne comments.

Alex hums, sighing irritably. The honey eyes lift trailing after the pacing fifteen-year-old. Alex huffs, closing his eyes. He bangs his head against the hull, trapping his bottom lip between his teeth. He clears his throat, resting his features. Hawthorne smirks at the disgruntled attitude, peering down at his feet once again.

"I suppose so. Hard to guide without the sun and stars." Alex counters.

Hawthorne plays with another piece of splintered wood, once again flicking it across the expanse. He sighs as Adean makes yet another pass between the two men. Small grunts, whimpers and huffs leave the boy at regular intervals. Hawthorne leans away as Adean cuts a bit too close. He huffs indignantly, rising to his feet. The honey eyes snap towards Alex standing tense and digging his fingers painfully into his arm.

"Will you cut that out!" Alex scolds.

Adean freezes, shrinking away from the small Hispanic. He rubs at his bicep, shifting the brown eyes to the floor. Hawthorne slouches, resting a hand on his forehead and lower back. Why does Alex always snap at the boy? He thinks scornfully. He quirks an eyebrow though, as Adean's face twist foully. He huffs, squaring his shoulders.

"I'm sorry. We can't all be as uncaring as you." He snips.

Hawthorne's mouth gapes open, his eyes widen at the snappy combat. Alex tenses, shoving himself away from the hull. He squares his shoulders, licking his lips aggressively. Adean raises his head, piercing Alex with a steady glare.

"What did you just say to me you brat?" Alex seethes.

"You heard me. Ms. Joe has been gone for some time. I pace about because I'm worried about her. You just merely sit in the dark, lazily resting about." Adean shouts.

"Yeah, well pacing about isn't going to bring her back any time soon. So, knock it off!" Alex grumbles.

Adean growls, taking a step forward. Alex uncrosses his arms, sliding his foot back into a defensive stance. Hawthorne quickly steps between the pair halting the advancement.

"We will not be doing that, gentlemen." Hawthorne reprimands. "Alex, just leave the boy alone. He's nervous and apparently does that insane pacing of the captain's."

"Aren't we all." Alex scoffs. "We have no idea whether Carter is coming back. Or what condition she will be in if she does. Either way, we are all next on the list to be beaten."

"You don't know that." Adean challenges.

"The hell we don't. The commodore wanted your ass not Carter's. She is there and possibly not coming back because she was saving your sorry ass."

"Alex." Hawthorne barks.

Alex clamps his mouth shut, frowning deeply at Hawthorne. Adean inhales sharply, tensing at the razor-sharp words. Hawthorne sighs irritably, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Mr. Hawthorne?" Adean quietly calls. "Do you think Ms. Joe really is."

Adean swallows hard, unable to finish his sentence. Alex scoffs, turning away from the young boy. Hawthorne raises his eyes heavenward, praying for patience. He glances down at Adean, moistening his suddenly dry mouth. He places a hand on Adean's shoulder, forcing the young boy to look up at him. He smiles softly, squeezing the slender muscle.