A Hidden Queen

Chapter 82

Albert furrows his brow as he takes another swig of his drink. He sat in the corner of the darkened pub, glaring at the opened letter lying on the table. Josephine had been so kind to write to him, informing him of the tragic events unfolding aboard the naval flag ship, The Governor and then the heroism of the crew to rescue her. It was an experience that deserved to be told to generations to come. But it was the next event that greatly disturbed him. How could she do this to him? He thinks bitterly, downing his drink.

The deep brown eyes rise as Jethro Baits lowers his bulk down into the chair across from him. The older man was a few days younger than himself and stood only a few inches taller. Baits scrutinized the world with cold spring green eyes that had seen too much sorrow in their lifetime. His hair was cut short, accentuating his long beard that dangled below his chin.

Jethro sat silently, staring at him with a hardened concerned look. Albert leans back, pursing his lips as Ivan Gibbons straddles the bench seat next to him. The light grey eyes scrutinized him with the same imploring gaze. The presence of his two oldest friends further irritated the older man.

"What do you two want?" He snips.

"Well, aren't we in a lovely mood." Jethro states, reaching across to snatch one of Albert's cigarettes.

"Shut up Jethro. I did not ask for your presence."

"Geez, Al. What has you so foul? I thought you'd be excited about the visit of Joey and Johnny. That's all you've been spouting for the past couple days." Gibbons adds, raising his hand for two drinks.

"This came to me yesterday. That child better be damn happy she's an adult and a woman." Albert states, thrusting the paper towards the two men. "It's from Joey. She's married now."

"That has never stopped you before." Jethro comments, leaning over to read the contents. "Why are you so upset? Is it because you are merely being informed now after the fact?"

"No!" Albert sighs, setting his drink down. "Okay, maybe a little. She is my little girl after all. But what truly bothers me is that I do not recognize this name. He is a hired hand amongst John's crew. But his father is not amongst us. I cannot even fathom as to what type of man he is."

"Come on, Albert. You know Joey wouldn't be careless in who she married, as she took after Martha too much. You are just being a bothersome worrier." Gibbons waves off.

Albert grows quiet, staring at the bottom of his cup. The two men exchange looks, as their friend sighs heavily. Gibbons sets his drink down, leaning closer to Albert to get a better gauge on his expression.

"You haven't told her, have you?" Albert glances at him out of the corner of his eyes. Ivan slams his fist on the table's surface. "Damn it, Albert!"

"She doesn't know she's queen?" Jethro questions, raising a surprised eyebrow. "So, that boy, that boy she just married has no idea that he's the new king of this nation? Albert. What were you thinking?"

"I was following Martha's wishes." Albert defends. "We had agreed as a family to not burden Joe with it until she was ready. Clinton died before he was able to talk to her. And John didn't want to have that responsibility after he brought her back from Port Adsecen. That left it up to me and I have not laid eyes on her since she left port with her father years ago."

"That means she doesn't even know about the Sea Kingdom and the king?"

"I haven't even discussed with her that she is a queen herself to this nation. How am I supposed to tell her she is also a bridge between two nations?" Albert clips unhappily.

"Albert, you're going to have to tell her." Ivan urges. "The King will not stop calling her until she answers."

"You don't think I don't know that." Albert snips. "But you cannot throw all of this on her at once. Besides, I still need to figure out if this Austin fellow is even worthy to be called a king."

"A little too late now that they are married, don't you think? And besides that, Johnny would not have allowed such a union if he did not believe them to be a good fit."

"Yes. Well, considering John's lack of tract record with woman, I'd rather not leave that verdict all in his opinions."

Jethro groans, "Not that damn test, Albert. The last time you decided to do that to a new captain you broke a bottle over my head that needed stitches!"

"I was merely helping your love life Jethro boy. Chicks dig scars." Albert smirks devilishly. "Come now, you have too much fun causing scenes to give me such caterwauling."

"You're deflecting the point Al. You cannot judge someone based on how they handle themselves in a bar fight or their responses to your ridiculous spouting."

"Of course I can. I was once the King of the nation after all. And I have done it to a many of my crewman and ended up with a good crew over the years."

"And the ones you didn't want, ended up being one of the best crewmen I have ever had the pleasure to serve with. So, it's still not an accurate assessment." Jethro comments, giving a toothy grin."

"Be that as it may." Ivan brings the conversation back around. "You need to have this conversation with Joey, Albert. You have been spouting about her return all over the island for days now. The people are excited to have the queen amongst them once again. They will address her as such out of respect and she will notice."

"I know. I know, Ivan." Albert snaps exasperated. "I will inform the child. However, you will let me spend some time with my little girl before I burden her with such life-changing news."

"Fair enough. But do not push it off either." Ivan warns sternly.

Albert nods his head, rising to his feet, "I must get going. She will be here soon."

"Play nice." Jethro teases.

"I will. Mostly." Albert grins wickedly. "See you soon Jethro boy."

Albert chuckles at the long-suffering groanleaving his old friend. He quickly pays his tab at the bar before trudging hisway to his home to await his granddaughter and apparent new son-in-law.