A Hidden Queen

Chapter 73

Several days later. . . . . .

Charlie groans as his arms strain with the sharp pitch to starboard. His wavy hair flutters around his face, as he glances down at the clear sparkling waters. It was breath taking to witness the power of the sea at this height. And even more so today as the ocean herself seems to glisten brightly, having a peaceful tranquility. He glances up, noting the fluttering reddish-brown hair. A smirk tugs at his lips as the ship slowly settles back, allowing him to resume his ascent to the maintop.

The last several days have been spent allowing Josephine to heal as much as possible. She had recounted her heroic actions along with the brutality of the naval men. Charlie had felt murderous rage build for Philips and the private, as well as a sense of pride for the display of courage by the young woman. He had always had affections for Joe, but it was only until recently did he realize the intense love he had for her. His heart races wildly, bile spilling into his mouth, as he pulls himself closer.

"Hey!" Charlie greets happily, popping his head over the edge.

Josephine startles, crying out as she loses her balance. Charlie rapidly wraps his hand around the young woman's thighs preventing her tumbling. She breathes heavily, her upper half hanging partially over the edge as panic fills those blue eyes before they fiercely lock onto him.

"Charlie!" She snaps.

"You know, you'd think you'd have better balance up here, considering you have lived a sea faring life for most of your life." He snickers, grinning broadly.

"Shut it." She clips in amusement. "Just get up here and help me back up. Doc has my bandages singed so tight that it's hard to wiggle back in place."

"Alright. Alright. Grab the sailing lines so you don't fall backwards."

Joe entwines her arms within the sailing lines above her head before he pulls himself up onto the platform. Charlie hastily grabs a bundle of lines as the ship pitches to port, slamming him into the center mast. He steadies himself enough to begin his approach and crouch next to her. He halts, his hands suspended as she inhales sharply.

"Be careful. I am still rather sore." Joe admonishes.

"Just don't wiggle about and you won't get hurt." Charlie jokingly scolds.

Joe pouts, "I do not wiggle about."

Charlie chuckles deeply, wrapping his arms around Joe's back. She inhales smartly, her features twisting with his touch as he maneuvers her away from the edge and sets her down against the center mast.

"Thank you. Now, what brings you up here?"

"I should be asking you that question. Didn't Lafayette tell you no strenuous tasks, including climbing the rat lines?" Charlie scolds lightly, lowering himself to sit down.

"He may or may not have mention something along those lines." Joe skirts, earning a quirk of Charlie's brow. "Fine. He did. However, I could not take the pampering and fussing by Uncle John anymore."

"You snuck up here when no one was watching, didn't you?"

"There was at least no one around to scold me and drag me off the ratlines."

"So, you basically waited until people were busy with duties before attempting it and then ignored that burning pain in your side and shoulder to get yourself up here."

"I will neither deny nor confirm those thoughts, Mr. Austin." Joe snarks while Charlie grins broadly. "Honestly, I just wanted some alone time Charlie that wasn't me hiding in my cabin. And to hear some of the men beginning their whisperings once again, I just could not take it anymore."