A Hidden Queen

Chapter 81

James snarls at the little island port, banging his fist against the gunwale. The events over Josephine were troublesome. James was a man who got what he wanted, no matter the cost. Yet he found himself returning to the port with nothing to show but a falsified report. The snarl deepens as the brown eyes land on The Governor's house servant, Markus. The older Swedish man stood ramrod straight; his hands clasped behind his back as he waited for the shore boar to creep closer. He focused on James like a predatorial hunter. There were no doubts that The Governor sent the dog to fetch him.

"It appears that Smithen has sent for you James." Pierre scoffs.

"You're lucky that he has as I still have questions about your accuracy over the events."

"There is nothing left to say." Pierre waves him off. "My official report has been summitted to the Almilitary. As has yours, James. It would merely bring about suspicion to change things around. And we both know that you frown upon the thought of having light shone upon your actions."

James growls under his breath, "Watch your tongue Mr. Pierre."

Jack scoffs at the idle threat, unconcerned as he leaps onto the hanging ladder. He scurries up to the dock, swaying lightly with the unrolling land before tying them off to an eyelet. James pushes his way through the other men as they begin to stand and gather their things. One crewman cries out as he is harshly shoved back down onto the bench seat, James using him as leverage to volt himself upward. He acts like a caged animal trying to escape the notice of The Governor's servant. But Markus was too aware of his presence; the swede tracking him.

"Mr. Philips." He addresses flatly, blocking his escape.

"Markus." James greets in equal disdain. "What brings you to the docks on such a day?"

"The Governor wishes to see you. Immediately."

"I have other things to attend to first."

"No, you do not. Mr. Smithen has personally informed them of the delay."

"How dare he..."

"You either come with me willingly, or I will summon the constables myself."

"Very well." James sighs in defeat.

Markus clicks his heels together, turning effortlessly and beginning his brisk walk towards the mansion. James follows the rather robust man, stomping down his anger. He had written to Smithen personally, giving the details of the events, but leaving out the grave outcome of Josephine's supposed misfortune. The thought angered him further as she had been his rise to military power. Without her by his side, Smithen was going to revoke all the promises he had given. James would be grateful just to keep his rank in tack.

As they approach the large French doors, James hastily centers himself focusing on the task at hand. He waltzes through the doors held by the swede with the ease of a man who owned the very place. The other servants quickly appeared at the sound of company, curious as to who had arrived.

"Wait here. I will inform the Governor of your arrival." Markus commands scurrying off.

James huffs out of his nose, digging his fingers into his hip. He had freely roamed the harbor side home more often than he would like to count in his courting of Josephine. And now he was told to sit and stay put like some stray dog. The once warm embrace was now replaced with a callous coldness, further agitating him.

His light brown eyes narrow dangerously as Ananda, another house servant, tentatively approaches him. James knew her to be a maid to Josephine, staying by the young woman's side for much of her stay here in the port. She had not changed much in the passing year, the robust figure still clinging to her hips and bust as the blond hair sprang out from her neatly shaped bun. She inches ever closer to James, imploring him with green doe-like eyes.