A Hidden Queen

Chapter 76

Roger Pittman paces outside of the cabin nervously. It had been nearly a year since they brought the Queen back among her people. And mere weeks after rescuing her from the clutches of Philips she is preparing to marry a member of the crew. He had known Josephine since she was born. The young girl had grown into a beautiful woman. And Pittman could not believe that this day had arrived so soon. It seems all to be serene. Pittman makes another pass, suddenly halting in front of the door.

"You're getting as bad as the kids." He scoffs, messing the silver hair.

He shakes his head, slicking the hair back properly and mustering forth his courage. A deep exhale calms his nerves before he lightly raps on the solid wood.

"Enter."

Pittman slowly opens the door; the creaking hinges screeching in protest. Josephine stood at the far side of the small cabin. She examines her hair in the mirror, putting in one final pin before inspecting the results. The red-brown hair was half braided, wrapped in a tight bun, as the remainder cascaded down in flowing waves. She glances at him in the mirror, smiling brightly as he steps fully into the room.

"Roger." She calls peacefully. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"The pleasure is all mine. I get to present you to your new groom." Pittman states happily.

"Oh? How did you get that privilege? Who did you threaten, old man?"

Pittman scoffs, "Unlike you and your uncle, violence is not in my nature. I simply won the coin toss." He grins broadly. "The captain is already tied with performing the ceremony and Burnt said he could not do such an act without crying."

Josephine stares at him; the seconds ticking by before realizing the truthfulness of his words. A bright smile cracks her lips with a bubbling laugh as she lightly shakes her head. The young woman takes several steps away from the mirror, twisting her upper torso from side to side.

Pittman's breath catches in his throat as she fully examines herself in the mirror. The white dress hugged her beautifully, trailing down to the floor and circling her feet and legs. The bright fabric became reflexive against her suntanned skin, making the turquoise pendant pop out. Her blue eyes shone brightly as she became satisfied with what she saw.

"My goodness, you do look beautiful in that dress." Pittman stammers.

"Thank you. I am stunned at how true it fits me. Although I am curious how you came about it?"

"It is of no importance." Pittman waves off, earning a quirked brow and a questioning call to his name. "Fine. I picked it up at the last port we were at. I happened to personally know the local seamstress. When I told her that I needed a wedding dress fit for a queen. She was more than happy to make something for you. I had not gazed at the dress since picking it up and I must say she did an excellent job."

"How? We have not been docked at a port for weeks. Well before Charlie and I made the announcement."

"I am aware of such facts. Josephine, your uncle and I knew this union was inevitable. You two fit together like missing puzzle pieces. We both wanted to give you a proper ceremony and did not want to waste any further time when a decision was made. So, we decided to get you a wedding dress that we could give to you for such an occasion. Although, I must admit my queen, I did not picture you doing such in this manner without Albert."

"To be honest, there is a lot of things I did not picture for my wedding day. Like these lingering scars." She whispers sadly, gazing at them in the mirror. "Nor the absence of both my parents. I did not imagine that I would not share this day with them, and not be given away by father. I miss them terrible."

Pittman wraps his arms around Joe as the tears begin to fall, "I am sorry you have to contend with such unforeseen misfortunes Joey girl."

Joe nods, pushing away from Pittman as she wipes her eyes with a sad laugh. "It is alright. I may not have my father to give me away, but I have the next best man to do so."

Pittman smiles broadly, hooking her arm within his, "Yes, you do. Shall we go and stun the men with your ravishing beauty my queen?"

"Yes. I think we shall."