A Hidden Queen

Chapter 54

Jack slams his fist into the wall, growling aggressively. What was he to do? He bitterly spits. James demands that boy, knowing full-well that he would receive Carter. Carter is not simply going to step aside and allow him to take the boy. Even with force she will not stand for such an act. The marines were likely to become hurt in the process. Jack scrunches up his nose, pounding his fist into the wood once more. James cunningly planned this, and he is delighted with the outcome it brings. Jack sneers.

"Sir?" Percy questions, pulling Jack to their presence.

Jack startles glancing over his shoulder. Percy, Peterson, Jiang and Markson stands under the dim light of an oil lamp. The men wore a wide range of expressions, but bewilderment outshined them all. Jack lowers his head, sighing heavily. The first lieutenant pushes himself away from the wall, turning to face the marines. Percy glances up at him with bright hazel eyes; the blue flecks painting his irises glimmering in the orange glow.

"Is it true Mr. Pierre?" Percy questions, allowing room for the older man.

"Is what true Percy?"

"That we're going to retrieve that boy? The Commodore." Percy pauses, looking about the other three men. "The Commodore made sure that there was no doubt in our assignment. But." Percy cautiously toes.

Jack sighs, closing his eyes. Damn you James. He thinks bitterly. He glances about the men, resting his hands on his hips.

"Yes, Mr. Percy. James has called for the boy once more."

"Forgive my speech sir, but this is bullshit. She nearly broke my arm the last time!" Percy protests.

A small smile tugs at Jack's lips. Percy was a man with very little to say. He was rather serious, a foul word never gracing his lips. Or so it would have appeared, if not for the small outburst.

"I heard that she is woman without a soul. She'll murder us in the most heinous way without so much as a hesitation." Peterson quickly adds.

"Not to mention that she loses all her senses when it comes to protecting that boy." Markson chimes.

"A woman without a soul?" Jack ponders, tapping his chin with a smirk. "I wonder who started that little rumor."

"Do she really not have one?" Peterson questions.

"Don't be a fool Peterson. Those rumors were started to make people like you afraid of her. She's nothing more than a woman." Jiang quips.

"Gentlemen." Jack calls, gaining everyone's attention. "She is merely being protective. Joe has always had a strong motherly instinct towards the young."

"That boy is fifteen, sir. There should be no reason for such protective instincts." Markson mutters, crossing his arms.

"I am well-aware of his age, Mr. Markson. I do not need your reminder. Joe is." Pierre pauses, a nostalgic expression falling upon his face. "Joe is a supporter of the underdog. A protector. It is often a trait I have admired her for. We will merely have to be mindful of her actions and feelings in this matter."

"We're going to die." Percy deadpans, staring into the darkness behind Pierre.

"Mr. Percy, stop being so dramatic." Pierre sighs. "This matter must be handled with delegate hands. It has been a mere few hours since the last time I took her down. I doubt she will have the strength to put up much of a fight as her body is battered and weak. That little advantage should keep everyone out of harm's way." Jack pauses, glancing about the men. "Markson and Jiang I want you to subdue the two men accompanying Joe and the boy. Percy and Peterson. You two will help in subduing Adean himself. I have a suspicion that he will not come willing."