A Hidden Queen

Chapter 65

Another rain squall pelts Jack's body, pushing a heavy sigh from his chest. The events over the evening were disturbing. Despite James' harsh judgement of him, Jack had not ordered Mr. Barthe to drop anchor. It was he himself that had insisted on the action despite all his boasting. Pierre knew that storms often turned deadly at sea but found the proceeding events with the navigator troublesome.

As per his routine, Pierre had come upon the helm to check on the status. He had merely stepped onto the deck when Barthe attacked him with inquiries of the prisoners, Josephine in particular. Pierre spoke truthfully, including Josephine's full name when asked. Mr. Barthe, however, turned pale when given the knowledge, pacing in a mad frenzy while mumbling under his breath about this not bowing well for them.

The utterings were that of a mad man turning more frantic as the ship pitched hard to starboard. The motion had forced the older man to brace himself upon the wheel, calling for the anchor to be dropped that very moment. He had neither a second thought nor the guidance from the superior officers. The unnerved feelings settled deeper when Mr. Barthe gazed directly at him and requested him to pray to Neptune himself that he does not destroy them for what they have done to his queen.

The whole scene was disturbing, something that Jack had never encountered beforehand especially from the calm and collective older man. He had decided then not to mention the incident. The men harbored much respect and trust in the navigator, such a tale would ruin that reputation. But Jack had not expected the accusations of atrocities against his nation to be thrown at him so easily while James spat reviled at Josephine.

The concern of Josephine's known heritage and her safety weighed heavily as he was ordered to erect boarding nets. Jack resolved at that moment, knowing he was going against everything, he could not allow Josephine to be kept aboard this ship.

After being dismissed, he went below discreetly disposing of the aft starboard netting. He shrugged off the incident to poor management when confronted by the men upon not finding it. When further skepticism lingered, Jack threw out the notion of less watches due to foul weather to keep the men's mouth closed on the topic. And there it was, how easily Jack had crossed into treason.

As the rain slows to a dreary mist, Jack cannot help the defeated groan as he ponders the earlier events. What are you doing Jack? He scolds himself. Are you willing to risk everything, your career, loyalty, family, even your life for this one woman? A woman who does not share your affections. Jack knew the answers, even as he stared out into the abyss praying for some confirmation of a savior.

"Whatever you have planned Captain, I wish you'd do it with all haste as we are low on time." He mutters quietly.

"Mr. Pierre sir."

Pierre freezes at the appearance of the second lieutenant. He quickly calms his breathing and racing heart before glancing at the young man. Hunter stood erect just off to his right, a drastic discontentment pulling on his soft features.

"Yes Mr. Hunter?"

"May I have a moment of your time sir?"

Jack bits down a groan. He did not need to physically see Hunter to pick up the urgent worrisome tone to his voice. Pierre had enough weighing upon him, he did not wish to be burdened further with someone else's disturbances.

"You sound sorely unpleasant, Mr. Hunter."

"I must be blunt that I do not have pleasant things to speak sir."

"And so, you feel the need to speak these unpleasantries upon me as well?"

The silence lays heavily, filling the void with disappointing tension. Pierre curses under his breath for opening his mouth without thinking.