A Hidden Queen

Chapter 68

Charlie's muscle ache with the strain of the oars. His body was exhausted and craved the swing of his hammock. The night had persistently asked more of the individuals than they knew was possible; and it has yet to see an end. Josephine's condition was poor. Bruises, scratches, and open wounds littered her body. There was also the toll from lack of proper food and water. The captain would demand answers once seeing her state and even more so as the other three men were without such markings. Charlie silently prayed that he would let it lie until the morn. However, he knew the persistent nature of the captain's personality and knew he would not merely take delight in their return.

He sighs heavily gazing about the small boat. The eight crewmembers sat quietly, none having the energy to carry a word. If Charlie spoke honestly, the men were beyond beat, and they were all lucky to be returning to The Mary alive. Josephine and himself had come far too close to a very different outcome not once but twice. If it had not been for the hard work of the men above, and those two lieutenants. . . well, he did not wish to consider the implications.

Charlie slows as the first lieutenant's actions flood his thoughts. Pierre had done much to give Josephine her life, even possibly giving up his own. It was an act that could only be driven by love. Charlie's anxious jealously began to nimble at his heart. He had no doubts about Josephine's love for himself. But the grieving woman was a pitiful sight sitting in the bow. So, if Pierre had come with them, would she have stayed with him?

Charlie's shoulders slump as the persistent thought begins to gnaw at him like a wild beast. He completely stops rowing, pulling at the muscles in his neck and shoulders.

"Danny. Come take the oars will ya?" Charlie inquires softly.

"Sure thing, Austin."

Charlie straightens his legs, stretching his joints until they pop and crack. He steps forward as the taller man slithers in-behind him, wiggling himself into a comfortable position. Charlie nods in thanks, before moving towards the young woman.

He plops himself next to her, leaning his elbows against the gunwale. Joe stays frozen, not even acknowledging his presence. His worries dug deeper as she let out a wavering breath over what was perceived to be a tragic loss. Did she grieve for him in such a way? Charlie wonders sadly. A dejected huff forces out of his nose as the silence drags on. He twists himself, intending to the leave the battered woman be.

"Don't go."

Charlie halts at the soft cracking voice, startling as deep blue eyes peer at him dejectedly. Josephine glances away as she slides herself to one side, patting the bench seat next to her.

"Come sit with me."

Charlie nods, settling next to her. He holds his breath as she scooches closer, wiggling herself against his side. She gently entwines their fingers, squeezing his hand hard enough to stop the blood flow. Her silent tears renew as she nestles into his chest. Charlie sighs heavily, the tension ebbing away as he wraps his arm protectively around her before nuzzling his nose into her hair.

"I am thankful you are alive. I thought I was going to lose you when you stepped between us." Charlie whispers. "What were you thinking Joe? He could have harmed you beyond repair."

"I did not care as I could not lose you again." Joe lifts her head, staring at him. "You do not understand Charlie. When I awoke upon The Governor, James had told me how you tried to rescue me and ended up shot upon the deck. He led me to believe you had died. My heart ached for your presence; I had no life to live. But then when you showed up in that brig." Josephine's breath hitches. "Well, I decided then that I would not experience such pain again."

"But how did you know he wasn't going to shoot you?"

"I didn't. I had not a notion of his intentions and whether he would carry through. Afterall, he has a duty to his king, nation, and family. But Charlie, I was crushed; broken when I was told that you were no longer in this world. I only knew that I could not live such an existence without you."

"Josephine. . ."

Charlie's words die on his tongue as she pierces him with deep blue eyes. The past few days have taken their toll; the worry and grief permanent residents upon her face. She had spent all that time protecting her fellow prisoners. And then when it was his turn to protect her, she still did the unselfish act of protecting him. His heart aches as he tucks a strain of hair behind her ear.

"Josephine, it is I who is supposed to be protecting you. You're not meant to sacrifice yourself protecting me."

"That's not how this works. We protect each other, not one verses the other. Just promise to stay with me."

Charlie nods, unable to find his voice. His chest grows tight with the raw emotions. He was falling into those eyes again. Is this what love feels like? He wonders speechless. Charlie cups the back of Joe's head, bringing her closer to him. A shaky breath flows outwards as she nuzzles into the crook of his neck, wrapping her arms around his torso.

"I promise to always be here, with you Josephine." Charlie tenderly speaks. "I am sorry for what James did to you. I see now that you were not wrong to protect the crew like you did. I do not know how, or even how long it will take, but I promise that we will find a way to put everything back together with what we have left."

"We will not need all the little pieces as long as we do it together."

"I had promised to come for you, and now I also promise to be with you. I will not back down from my word."

Josephine smiles contently, squeezing his torso tightly. Charlie wraps his arms tighter around the small woman, embracing the quiet moment.

"Charlie." Scotty calls.

He lifts his head, focusing on what had gained the middy's attention. Josephine peels off his chest, as the dark outline of the ship comes into view.

"The Mary."

"Aye. Welcome home Josephine."