A Hidden Queen

Chapter 55

James grins at Jackson as the two squeeze into the tight space. He clasps his hands comfortable behind his back. His chest swells with excitement. Today will be the day that Josephine will finally fall into his arms and come back to Port Adsecen to be his beautiful wife. He will have it all. James ponders joyous. A good career in the military with much power and prestige. Josephine standing by his side, the women envying her beauty and the men envious of what James possesses. It will be a glorious life indeed. James snickers greedily; a broad grin pulling at his lips with the promise of the reward so close at hand.

James lifts his eyes on Jackson. The bigger man leans against the back wall comfortably crossing his arms across his chest.

"You have what you need?" James questions.

"In what way commodore?" Jackson asks in seriousness.

"Tools, Joshua. Tools you will need to handle Carter. She is a spirited woman; a mere beating will not break her will." James advises.

Jackson grins devilishly. He unfolds his arms pulling out several different size daggers from his belt line. James grins sinfully, approaching the much bigger man. The light brown eyes glide over the shinning metal. Among the few daggers, James notices an anchor dagger, as well as a boucan knife and a poniard dagger.

"You came ready indeed." James drips with jubilation.

Jackson smirks stuffing the weapons back into his beltline. He throws his weight against the hull of the ship. The aquamarine eyes peek over James' shoulder with the agonizing screeching of the gunroom door. James heart flutters, beating faster as he dips his chin at Jackson. He takes in a deep breath, relaxing his face into a grievous frown before slowly turning about to face the other occupants. The brown eyes ignite with a cool fire, scanning about Josephine and Pierre.

Josephine limps into the small room, glaring at James. His breath quickens with his rising anger as the woman shows no sign of weakness. She holds herself straight, taunt with confidence. There was no indecision, no faulter or waver in her steps; they were solid. James sneers.

"What is the meaning of this?" James seethes, throwing his anger at Pierre.

"Well, this is what you wanted James. Your grand scheme to get her into this room a second time worked. As it always does." Jack challenges hotly.

James tenses, narrowing his eyes with the gnarling twist of his features. How dare he! James shouts in his head. He snaps his attention down to Josephine, who stares at him without surprise; her deep blue eyes cutting at him. James lowers his head. He inhales deeply in an attempt to gain control over his raging emotions.

"I wanted that boy, not this woman." James counters fiercely.

"According to your grandiose plan that was not it." Jack scoffs. "But either way you have her. I cannot take her back to the brig, as I had no choice but to bring her in the first place."

"No choice?" James barks, lifting his eyes. "Do not give me the cowards excuse of having no choice Mr. Pierre. You were simply weak willed as always."

Jack clenches his fists. A deep growl escaping his lips. He steps forward, bumping into Josephine as she steps between the men.

"Weak willed? This is your doing, James! After you stationed those young marines to help me the whole thing went to hell. She threatened me with a gun she was able to acquire from one of them. I had no choice but to bring her after such a show of hostility towards an officer of the crown."

"Those marines of yours are useless Mr. Pierre." James scoffs. "I do not give a damn what she did. If they want to keep their jobs and their tongues, they will keep silent in what they witnessed. Take that woman back and bring me that boy as I had requested."